Labour MPs are pressing Gordon Brown to become more involved in the party's election campaign.

Following a poll which showed Labour's lead cut to three points, some in Labour are said to be concerned that Tory policies are not being scrutinised sufficiently.

"The Tories seem to be able to get away with anything at the moment," one senior minister told the Times

"I hope the Budget will mark the beginning of Gordon getting really stuck into the campaign," one backbencher and former minister said.

"Touring the country is one thing, but it isn't exactly the best use of resources."

Meanwhile, Labour is planning to cut its election budget by almost £5 million following a cut in trade union donations.

Party chiefs say they are unlikely to reach their target of a £20 million fighting fund.

The Tories, who want about £25 million, are said to be £4 million short.

According to figures from the Electoral Commission, Labour received £5.2 million in the final quarter of last year - £500,000 more than the Conservatives.

The former Conservative party treasurer Lord Ashcroft is making individual donations of up to £21,000 to promising Tory candidates in winnable marginal seats.