British Chancellor Gordon Brown today sought to install his stewardship of the economy as the cornerstone of Labour's forthcoming general election campaign.
In his keynote speech to Labour's annual conference in Brighton, Mr Brown argued that his record on delivering economic stability was the key to persuading voters to trust the government across the board.
Mr Brown, whose traditional role in masterminding Labour's election campaign has been handed by Prime Minister Tony Blair to Alan Milburn, told delegates: "From being the party not trusted with the economy, this conference should be proud that Labour is today the only party trusted with the economy."
Mr Brown signalled his support for Mr Ken Bigley, the Briton being held hostage in Iraq, saying the thoughts of the whole conference were with his family. He also said he backed Mr Blair over the "difficult times" he faces over Iraq.
Earlier, Mr Brown said suggestions that he was unhappy about his sidelining in the planning for the general election were "tittle tattle and gossip" and dismissed "all this speculation" about a rift with Mr Blair.
Although his speech concentrated largely on politics, Mr Brown did return briefly to some familiar economic themes.
He cautioned delegates against expecting any pre-election spending spree on the public services telling them: "I will tell the G7 and International Monetary Fund when I travel to Washington later this week that we will take no risks with inflationary pay deals, and from this Chancellor and this party no short-termism, no easy options, no irresponsible pre-election promises."
Concluding his speech, Mr Brown urged party unity in pursuit of his vision. Quoting from the now abandoned Clause 4 of Labour's constitution, he told delegates: "It is by the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more together than we achieve alone."
PA