Cameron rules out third term as Prime Minister

Mr Cameron has confirmed what many in his party have privately suspected for some time, saying he was standing for election to serve for a full second term but adding: “Terms are like shredded wheat: two are wonderful but three might just be too many.”

The PM sparked immediate leadership rumours when he named Home Secretary Theresa May, Chancellor George Osborne and London mayor Boris Johnson as possible replacements as Conservative leader when he stands down.

In an interview with BBC News, Mr Cameron was directly asked if he would go for a third term if he remained PM after the election.

He replied: “No, I think I’m standing for a full second term.”

And he added: “I’m not saying all prime ministers necessarily definitely go bad, or even go bad at the same rate, but I feel I’ve got more to bring to this job, the job is half done, the economy’s turned round, the deficit is half down and I want to finish the job.

“I didn’t just come to do this to, you know, deal with the debts and the mess, I want to go on with the education reforms and the welfare reforms.

“There definitely comes a time where a fresh pair of eyes and fresh leadership would be good, and the Conservative Party has got some great people coming up: the Theresa Mays, and the George Osbornes, and the Boris Johnsons.”