[Shasown]

The Tories have launched a brutal poster campaign designed by the advertising firm credited with sweeping Margaret Thatcher to power in 1979.

In a highly personal attack, the posters depict Gordon Brown's smiling face alongside sarcastic "Vote for me" slogans.

The new campaign, created by M&C Saatchi, includes the slogan: "I took billions from pensions - vote for me" and "I let 80,000 criminals out early - vote for me".

Previously known as Saatchi and Saatchi, the firm was the architect of the famed "Labour isn't working" campaign depicting a long snaking dole queue.

The new posters are a turn-around from the Conservatives' previous efforts, which drew criticism for the "airbrushing" of smooth-looking leader David Cameron.

The Tories are now putting Mr Brown at the heart of their campaign because they believe he is a vote-winner for them. They seek to capitalise on his socially awkward demeanour and unlikely smiles during appearances on YouTube.

The posters - which will be displayed on 850 poster sites in England and Wales from Monday - also accuse the Prime Minister of increasing the gap between the rich and poor, and causing record youth unemployment.

Shadow schools secretary Michael Gove said: "Gordon Brown is asking people to vote him in for another five years but he and his tired Government will just make things worse."