UK manufacturing slowdown deals blow to Conservatives

Downbeat Markit/Cips report adds evidence to claims that economy is losing momentum with factory orders far weaker than forecast

The Conservatives have suffered another blow to their track record on the economy from a surprise slowdown in manufacturing and fresh evidence that consumers are being relied on to drive the flagging recovery.

With less than a week to go till the general election, a closely watched survey of Britain's manufacturers compounded fears the economy has run out of steam in recent months. The pound tumbled as the first snapshot of factory activity in April showed companies were forced to cut their prices to eke out new orders.

Related: UK manufacturing growth slows sharply in setback for economy - live updates