Tories set out to woo women aged 35 to 50

Women aged between 35 and 50 are seen as the key to a Tory victory at the next election, a confidential document for the party leadership reveals.

The Conservatives have taken advice from US Republican campaigners who swung women's votes away from Democrats at the last presidential election.

A strategy paper, presented to the party's board last month and seen by The Independent, says it is vital to frame policies to appeal to "decision-making women" of all classes. It was endorsed by the party leader, Iain Duncan Smith, and the chairman, Theresa May.

Pam Parker, chairman of the Conservative Women's National Committee, said: "This is absolutely not a class thing. I sit down with my cleaning lady and she has exactly the same concerns that I do."