David Cameron and fellow senior Conservatives were in Kent on Tuesday for a series of high-profile visits and for a private 'away day' to discuss policy and election strategy.

The arrival of the entire Conservative shadow cabinet, coupled with carefully-targeted visits to key marginal constituencies, comes as the party continues to ride high in the polls and just weeks after scoring their first by-election victory for 25 years.

The presence of so many senior Conservatives will be seen as a sign of the importance the party attaches to the county in determining its electoral fortunes.

The Tory leader's tour included an afternoon visit to the Sunlight Centre, Gillingham, a popular stopping off point for national politicians. The reason for the visit - to unveil new policies on promoting social enterprise.

Mr Cameron toured the community centre and met staff and centre users.

Speaking to reporters the shadow PM said reducing taxes was key to the regeneration of the Towns.

Winning Medway's marginal seats would also be key to future electoral success, adding:

"If you can't win the marginal seats of Kent, you can't form a government."

Mr Cameron was joined on the tour by local conservative party parliamentary candidate and Medway councillor Reh Chishti. Cllr Chishti said: "It was very exciting and a honour to have a visit from Mr Cameron."

It was no surpise the Tory leader decided to launch the new policy in Gillingham. Pollsters have predicted that following boundary changes at the next election the constituancy of Gillingham and Rainham could be the most marginal in the country with a Labour majority of only 15.

The Sunlight Centre is a favourite stop-off point for campaigning politicians. Former deputy prime-minister John Prescott visited in 2003 and in 2005, shortly before the general election. Gordon Brown paid a visit during his bid for the Labour leadership. Tessa Jowell, Steve Ladyman and Tony McNulty have also dropped by.