Tony Blair on Saturday pushed to one side claims that Labour was failing public services by stepping up his "crusade" to put schools and hospitals first.

Following a week when Labour was criticised by teachers and doctors, Labour is set to issue one million pledge cards detailing Blair's policies on schools, hospitals, police numbers, the economy, the minimum wage and pensioners.

The party will deliver the cards in key marginals and Labour's heartland constituencies, where the party fears that low turnout could damage its chances.

He said that voting Labour on Thursday would "send a message that never again should any party propose to lead this country by proposing policies that would cut education and health".

Blair claimed that investment was key, but admitted that many people still had to see benefits coming through.

He told a news conference in Salford: "I know there are families right across this country for whom life remains a real struggle. I know that in areas like this, whatever progress we have made, there is much, much more to do. And I know that it requires investment to make it happen."

Blair claimed the election was not just about securing "a mandate for better schools and hospitals" but also about delivering the investment to deliver "the big reform we need to open up prosperity and opportunity for all".

As the campaign enters the final few days, Blair rejected Conservative claims that a second Labour landslide would damage democracy.

"There hasn't been an election, there is no majority," he said. "The Conservatives are saying don't vote for us on the basis that we have anything to offer you in the way of policies, but to vote for them to reduce a Labour majority that hasn't even happened."