Blair to kick-start election campaign

David Frost to put PM on the couch over election issues

Labour's handling of the economy will be at the heart of its campaign to win the next election, says the Prime Minister's spokesman.

Tony Blair believes he can convince voters that the strong economy and falling unemployment is due to good management rather than good luck.

He is expected to begin his championing of the government and what will be an on-going assault on the Tories on BBC TV's Breakfast with Frost on Sunday.

The interview comes at the end of a week in which it has been dogged by questions over party funding.

Key pledge

A row over the naming of major donors was further fuelled when it emerged that the man heading the consortium which is set to buy the Dome had boosted party coffers by £33,000.

And on Friday a report predicted that one of Labour's five key pledges, made ahead of the 1997 election, was unlikely to be met before it finishes its first term of office.

The Prime Minister is expected to use the interview to highlight what the government sees as its successes.

"The economy and the Government's record on issues such as interest rates, the reduction of the national debt and unemployment will now be at the heart of everything we say," said a senior Labour source.

New benefits

Ministers will remind voters that the basic rate of tax has been cut and that tax benefits are on the way, such as the new child allowance.

Mr Blair's electioneering will continue on Tuesday in a speech in the West Country when he will mount an attack on the opposition.

Labour ministers claim that shadow chancellor Michael Portillo has lost control of his colleagues in drawing up the spending plans for a future Tory administration and believe he is vulnerable to attack.

Mr Blair is expected to defend spending on social services and will argue that increased investment in education and skills are essential in a modern economy.

Election run-in

Labour's own polls have shown that voters are still concerned about a return to a boom and bust economy, according to a party source.

But they believe Chancellor Gordon Brown's track record will convince even those hardened Conservatives who did not vote for Labour in the mass swing to the party in the 1997 election.

Mr Blair's interview with David Frost will be the first of a three-part series dedicated to questioning each of the three main party leaders ahead of an election predicted for 3 May.

Breakfast with Frost is on BBC One on 7 January at 0900 GMT.