David Blunkett and Gordon Brown: Senior ministers falling out?

Relations between David Blunkett and the chancellor are said to be in the "deep freeze" following a series of clashes surrounding the looming comprehensive spending review.

The two men, who have had on-off relations since Labour came to power, appear to be increasingly at odds, sources say.

In what is being seen as a calculated snub to the chancellor, Blunkett apparently indicated to Gordon Brown that he should not take succession to the Labour leadership for granted.

The home secretary, who has clashed with the chancellor over his department's share of the spending review, called for unity in the run up to the general election.

"It is important that those of us who are privileged, at the very cutting edge of government, at the centre of events, don't presume that we should be immediately taking somebody else's job," Blunkett told the New Statesman magazine.

A spokesman for the home secretary later said that Blunkett had been talking about his own position, not the chancellor's.

Spending row

In what is being seen as confirmation that Blunkett went over Brown's head by seeking the prime minister's intervention in the spending discussions, the home secretary talked up the prime minister's role.

He said: "I think Tony's never been more vital in his approach. His vitality has been evident to all of us. His determination to create, through the strategic plans and the manifesto, a radical reforming third term is undeniable, and all of us know that we sink or swim together."

And he signalled that Brown may have to wait some time before making a play for the leadership.

When asked how much of a third term Blair should serve, he said: "I'd like the prime minister to remain as long as he feels he has the drive, the energy and leadership to do it, and I see no sign of those diminishing at all."