Gordon Brown appeared to assume an even more central role in the Labour campaign yesterday when he set out the party's plans for a third term in government.

Measures to further increase employment, home ownership, spending per pupil in schools and childcare provision would be in the first Queen's speech, scheduled for May 17, he said.

He said the party's aim was to reach a spend per child of £5,500 by 2007 and create a million more homeowners and childcare places.