CONSERVATIVE leader David Cameron has vowed he would vote to overturn a hunting ban as he tried to woo the "absolutely vital" Westcountry vote.

In an exclusive interview with the Western Morning News, the Prime Ministerial hopeful also pledged he would overturn the "bad decision" to grant Exeter unitary council status, a move many see as tearing the political heart out of Devon.

Mr Cameron was yesterday visiting Meca Services, Exeter's only female- owned garage, as part of a campaign to try to win the Devon and Cornwall vote which is seen as crucial to swinging the election in his favour.

His visit came on the same day Lib-Dem leader Nick Clegg was in Taunton to meet organisers of a regeneration project as part of his own charm offensive.

Mr Cameron went further than ever before on hunting, one of the political battle grounds which has seen Labour alienate many rural residents.

Mr Cameron repeated previous pledges to have a free vote on the issue.

But he went further, saying: "Personally I think the ban hasn't worked and I would vote against it."

And he said his party would overturn the decision for Exeter City Council to govern its own political affairs.

He warned the move would cost taxpayers dear, and pledged a two-year tax freeze instead.

He said: "We think it's a bad decision, and above all it's going to cost people money. The last thing people want right now is extra bills and there are estimates that this could cost up to £200 on people's council tax.

"All the previous reorganisations have ended up pushing up bills and pushing up costs. We don't think it's the right way to go and so we would take the opportunity to reverse it.

"We're also offering a council tax freeze for two years, which I think is what people need right now."

Mr Cameron said the Westcountry vote was "absolutely vital" to the Conservatives taking control of Number 10 at the General Election.

He said: "Let's be very clear – the choice at the next election is between a tired Labour Government which has proved that they have no understanding of the Westcountry, and a Conservative Government which has a clear grasp of the issues affecting this region.

"Labour have run out of energy and they have run out of ideas on how to revive the economy and rebuild communities.

"It's time for a new, dynamic leadership to steer this country back on course."

Among the seats he hopes to claim are Exeter, currently held by the Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw.

Mr Cameron said the city was "absolutely" winnable for the Conservatives, and praised candidate Hannah Foster's "excellent" work record.

Mr Cameron dismissed recent poor performances in opinion polls, which indicate there is now little between the two leading parties. Although the Tories currently have the edge, surveys indicate the country could be heading for a hung parliament. But Mr Cameron said: "The only poll that matters is the one on May 6, where voters make their choice."