Michael Howard yesterday spoke of his "regret" at becoming the first Tory leader to lose the formerly true blue seat of Solihull since its creation in 1945.

Solihull became one of the surprise Tory defeats of the last General Election when Liberal Democrat Lorely Burt claimed victory with one of the smallest majorities of the night.

On a visit to the borough yesterday, the outgoing Conservative leader said he hoped the party would win back the seat " at the earliest opportunity".

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Mr Howard visited Solihull as part of a national tour of Conservative-controlled local authorities.

Referring to his party's defeat in Solihull at the General Election, he said: "I very much regret that but I hope it is put right at the earliest opportunity.

"My successor, whoever he may be, will make it quite clear to the country that our policies are very much in line with the priorities of wider communities.

"If you look at the battles we have had with the Liberal Democrats, it is true that they won Solihull, but we have beaten them in more seats around the country than they beat us."

Mr Howard would not be drawn on individuals involved with the leadership contest, which is now a straight fight between David Davis and David Cameron. However, he praised the campaigns of the five candidates who were at the start of the contest.

He also said his party would always support the Labour Government if it believed what it was doing was right.

Tony Blair experienced his first defeat in the Commons last week over new terror laws because of a backbench revolt.

Mr Howard said: "The Conservative Party will always do what is right for the country in all situations."

The Tory leader also voiced his anger at proposals to extend licensing laws regarding alcohol.

He said: "I think it is a great mistake to have 24-hour drinking."

"We believe we should be dealing with the problems surrounding drinking. Many people know that many town centres are no-go areas and 24-hour drinking is not going to help that."

Solihull Council leader Ted Richards (Con Castle Bromwich) took Mr Howard on a tour around the borough's Touchwood Shopping Centre.

The leader of the opposition was also taken to the borough's Solihull Connect centre, a one-stop-shop that gives residents the opportunity to get advice and information on all types of council services.

Mr Howard praised the Conservative group's leadership of Solihull Council.

He said: "It is one of a number of a councils that I have visited that shows the best of local governance.

"We may not be in power nationally, but we are in power in very many local areas. I believe we have a very good base of power at grass roots level."