Cornwall currently has no Conservative MPs

During his visit to the duchy, which currently has no Conservative MPs, he will meet police officers, fire fighters and doctors.

He will also view a travellers' site in mid-Cornwall.

His second engagement of the day will be with local councillors at a vantage point overlooking the travellers' camp close to Luxulyan, near Bodmin.

Two-day visit

In the afternoon, he will meet Ashley Crossley, the prospective Tory candidate for Labour-held Falmouth and Camborne, to discuss policing with local officers in Falmouth.

Mr Howard will talk about the use of anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos), dispersal orders and the role of Police Community Support Officers in Cornwall.

In September, the Conservative leader threw his support behind Mr Crossley, a barrister from London, when local party officials attempted to have him deselected.

Mr Howard will also visit Truro Fire Station, where he will discuss plans to replace individual fire brigade control rooms with one regional control centre for the South West.

Later he will discuss GP contracts and local health provision in Helston, and visit Newquay to find out about the impact of surfing and tourism on the area.

Cornwall at present has four Liberal Democrat MPs and one Labour MP.