Writing in the Guardian today, the chancellor rejects suggestions that he is opposed to a radical Labour manifesto for the next general election.

Gordon Brown also dismisses suggestions that he is at odds with Tony Blair over the party leadership.

"United as a party, we must hold firm to our enduring Labour values," he writes.

"We must be radical in our policy proposals.  Whether it is to deliver universal childcare and wider home ownership, extend competition and access to lifelong learning, or tackle the poverty of aspirations in many communities, a new wave of social and economic modernisation and reform is needed."

The chancellor's comments come as both main parties launch campaigns for June's elections.

Blair and Brown are in Leeds to launch Labour's local election campaign based on the theme of "Britain is working. Don't let the Tories wreck it".

And Conservative leader Michael Howard heads his party's push for the local elections at an event in Birmingham.