In an interview with the FT, Labour election co-ordinator Alan Milburn gives a strong indication that he may stay on in government if the party wins re-election.

More than once he refers to the "huge privilige" of serving in office, despite having quit as health secretary to send more time with his family in 2003.

He adds that he has not been sidelined by the return of Gordon Brown to the frontline of Labour's campaign.