TORY party chiefs hailed Conservative success in Swindon as proof it could win over urban areas and claim victory at the next General Election.

In a key speech to the Tory Party conference in Bournemouth yesterday, Shadow Minister Caroline Spelman told party activists that they could deliver for inner city residents who had been let down by Labour.

She said Conservatives were making headway in Swindon.

Citing examples of top party achievements, she referred to Swindon "where

Conservatives are reclaiming and rejuvenating urban areas."

The Local Government spokeswoman insisted that Conservative victory in the summer local elections where Tories won control of Swindon for the first time in 25 years was no fluke.

She said: "Make no mistake. These were not easy wins. They were wins that show we are on our way back in towns and cities.

"Labour's complacency in urban Britain has cost them dear. We won because people trust us to make a difference where Labour and the Liberal Democrats have failed."

She also outlined a plan of action for local councils nationwide if the Tories did succeed in ousting Tony Blair from 10 Downing Street.

Steps included curbing council tax hikes, scrapping "expensive and time wasting" local council performance tests and "unnecessary inspection", along with more powers to local councils for controlling mobile phone mast locations.