Tony Blair has strongly hinted that Gordon Brown will remain chancellor if Labour secures a third term in government.

In a move that ends speculation that he would try and switch Brown to another job after election day, the prime minister told reporters that it would be "foolish" to move him from the Treasury.

Following persistent questioning, Blair said: "I am not going to breach any protocols but this is probably the most successful chancellor that the country has had for 100 years."

Commentators agree that it represents a victory for Brown, whose own chances of succeeding Blair as prime minister have been boosted as a result.

Brown gave strong support to the prime minister at their press conference.

The chancellor also launched a fresh attack on the Conservatives' £35bn a year Whitehall efficiency drive.

Today, he will hit out at Tory plans to scrap the "New Deal" for the unemployed.

Last night the prime minister and chancellor met to finalise Labour's election manifesto, which will be published next week.

The party will repeat its 1997 and 2001 election pledges not to adjust the basic and higher rates of income tax in the course of the next parliament.

However, the Telegraph reports that Blair will refuse to rule out alternative tax rises to help fund increased public spending over the next six years.

The Sun, meanwhile, reports on Blair's election visit to an Asda store in South London.

After tackling the PM on the cost of childcare, one voter said: "He was so easy to talk to - I bet he's a great boss to work for."