Cameron: I'd axe 60 seats in Commons

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The Tory leader announced plans to abolish undersized parliamentary constituencies in Wales and some cities, including London, most held by Labour.

It would mean fewer MPs overall but Mr Cameron told the FT: "I think the House of Commons could do the job that it does with 10 per cent fewer MPs without any trouble at all."

At present the election map disadvantages the Conservatives because voters have flown from urban areas where Labour is stronger to the shires where the Tories are strongest, resulting in small urban seats that give Labour more MPs.

"We can legislate for that, yes, and we should," he said. "I believe in having seats that are the same size all across the country."

The shake-up could see the number of seats in Wales reduced from 40 to about 30. Other changes would be across the big cities with a small number in London being considered.

John Curtice, professor of politics at Strathclyde University, said a smaller Commons could mean larger swings, but in the short term the move "would improve the Tory chances of winning".

Almost all the current constituency boundaries have been redrawn for the next election, creating an estimated 13 new Conservative seats and nine fewer Labour seats.