Michael Howard has described his "surprise" at emerging as the favourite to become the next Conservative leader.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4 on Monday, he commented that "it's a funny old world".

And Howard indicated that he had reflected on his experiences in government under former prime minister John Major.

"I am aware that I was not a popular home secretary and I have thought a lot about that," he said.

"One of the conclusions I have reached is that it is not enough just to win an argument.

"That doesn't necessarily mean you have won hearts and minds.

"You have got to take people with you, you have got to explain what you are doing and try to get people behind you and build a consensus so that you can move forward and do things which people will respond to."

The comments follow Howard's pledge to "make the case" for tax cuts.

Writing in Sunday's News of the World, he said: "The best way government can help people is to give them the opportunities to make the most of their potential. That's why we'll make the case for low taxes."

But Howard, who is set to be crowned unopposed as Tory leader this week, fell short of detailing specific plans.

As shadow chancellor Howard has been careful not to commit to a programme of tax cuts ahead of the government's Budget and comprehensive spending review next year.

But despite calls from modernisers in the party to put public services before tax, Howard said that as prime minister he would seek to lower the burden on voters.

"With low taxes, you don't just have a stronger economy; you have a stronger society," he argued.

"When people pay less tax, they do more not just for themselves but for each other and for their communities.

"That's why we'll look for ways to give everyone more choice and control over the public services they pay for and rely on. And it's why we want to see a Britain where people have more freedom."