Ed Miliband: 'We Could Rebuild Britain'

Labour leader Ed Miliband has called on voters to give him a chance to rebuild Britain and boost the country's ailing economy, despite ongoing concerns over his poor personal ratings.

Speaking at a question-and-answer session with voters ahead of the party's annual conference in Manchester, Mr Miliband spoke of his desire to ease the financial strain on families and create more jobs.

"What are we facing in this country? I think we are facing big cynicism about politics," Mr Miliband told the crowd.

"I think we're facing the fact that many people saw the Prime Minister David Cameron going around the country a few years ago promising change.

"And some people have given him the benefit of the doubt, and I understand some of the reasons for that, but I don't think we've seen the change that he promised.

"I think in the toughest times you need a government on your side... That's the government that I would want to lead - a government that brought real change to this country so we could rebuild Britain."

Despite Labour riding high in the opinion polls, Mr Miliband is under pressure to improve his stubbornly poor personal ratings.

The Tories have highlighted the problem by releasing Populus research that found nearly two-thirds of Labour supporters would prefer Mr Miliband's brother David to be in charge.

Some 73% of those questioned agreed that Mr Miliband did not have what it takes to be prime minister in tough economic times, and 72% that he was too weak for the job.

Some 65% of the 2,000 people questioned thought David Miliband would be a better leader for the party than his brother.

The figure is the most devastating finding in a poll which suggests Ed Miliband is facing difficulties persuading voters that he is a potential prime minister.

The Tories released the findings in an apparent attempt to undermine Mr Miliband's position as Labour delegates gathered for the party's conference.

Mr Miliband's aim at the conference is to convince voters he has what it takes to be prime minister.

The Labour leader is expected to spend the week attempting to sell himself as well as his party's policies.

After a TV interview on Sunday, he makes his big conference speech on Tuesday and then will answer questions from Labour delegates on Wednesday.

He is expected to try to spell out to voters who he is and define his character as he prepares to face a Tory onslaught on his personality between now and the general election.

On policies, Mr Miliband is likely to focus on Labour plans to improve living standards, including proposals to protect consumers from being ripped off by energy companies.

He is also likely to outline a tougher stance on immigration and welfare than Labour has proposed in the past and admit that his party made mistakes in these areas in government.

Mr Miliband's other task over the coming days is to avoid potential splits and disagreements with his combative shadow chancellor, Ed Balls, who speaks on Monday, which Labour's opponents will be looking for.