Blair and Brown: Leadership ambitions

The chancellor has reopened speculation about the Labour leadership by signalling he still intends to become prime minister.

Interviewed on Tuesday night Gordon Brown staked a claim for the top job in his party.

In an interview with the BBC, the chancellor spoke of the need for Britain to acquire a "stronger sense of destiny" - and his determination to help shape it.

His comments came just weeks after the prime minister said he would seek to carry on for a full third term before handing over the reins of office to a new leader before the general election.

Many thought that was a warning to Brown that he cannot expect an early handover of power.

But Brown's comments will reopen speculation that Tony Blair could be forced from office soon after a third election victory.

Senior Cabinet ministers such as John Reid and David Blunkett have also made clear that they do not expect to see a Brown coronation when Blair finally decides to leave office.

The prime minister's supporters welcomed Alan Milburn's return to the political frontline - a move which they say offers an alternative leadership candidate when the time comes.

Asked directly about the succession, the chancellor said: "I've never got into this business about speculating about who does what - and I don't actually think it's the office you hold, it's actually what you do in the office that you are involved in."

He added: "For me there is a mission for this country moving forward. There are big long-term decisions we've got to take as a nation.

"It's my job, I think, to alert people to the opportunities ahead and I believe that Britain can be the best place to grow up in."