CONSERVATIVE leadership hopefuls David Cameron and David Davis clashed at Bolton's Reebok Stadium last night in their latest head-to-head hustings battle. The press were not invited so political reporter DAVID OTTEWELL caught up with the men before their showdown - and posed six key questions that could sway the votes of 10,000 party members in the north west.

Q What is the single most important thing the Conservatives could do to revive their fortunes in Greater Manchester?

David Cameron: "We should give a whole new deal to voluntary bodies and social enterprises to solve the problems in the inner-city areas."

David Davis: "There is no such thing, only a whole series of things. Manchester is one of our great cities and we have retreated from our cities too much. We need to make ourselves more relevant - for example by standing up for decent schools."

Q How do you think the average Mancunian currently sees the Conservative party?

DC: "They probably see us as not urban enough and not forward looking. That is something I want to change."

DD: "Clearly not as one that attracts their vote. They have not seen us as having answers to their problems. I am going to put that right. We want to be the champions of the victims of state failure."

Q How closely do you follow news in the north west? What do you think is the biggest issue in the region?

DC: "I follow it quite closely. I very recently went out with police in Manchester to see the work they were doing. I think the key issue in the area is that people want more active policing on the streets, and then public services like health and education."

DD: "Not as closely as in Yorkshire, I'm afraid! [DD is MP for Haltemprice & Howden]. I know recent big issues [in the north west] have included binge drinking and violent crime. I would think crime is the biggest issue. Behind that lie the problems of drink and drugs."

Q Which is more important - cutting tax or funding the Metrolink tram extension?

DC: "I don't think they are mutually exclusive. You need to have a strong infrastructure and a strong economy, and that needs low taxes. Passions are running high over the Metro system and the Conservative party needs to look closely at whether we could do more."

DD: "There is no relationship between them. The government has broken its promise [on the Metrolink]. If you keep raising tax then you eventually kill the golden goose, and this is a very good example."

Q Which of the following have you visited: Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Bury, Oldham, Bolton, Rochdale?

DC: "All except Stockport. I have been to Salford once but as a massive fan of the Smiths I am making it a priority to go to the Salford Lads' Club."

DD: "All except Rochdale. I do a lot of travelling as shadow home secretary."

Q Complete the following sentence in 10 words or fewer. "I am a better candidate than David Cameron/David Davis because"

DC: "I understand that the party needs to change."

DD: "of experience and proven track record dealing with Labour."

Who do you think is best for the north west? Have your say.