Brown 'like rabbit in headlights'

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But Derek Simpson rejected calls for a change of Labour leader and called on Mr Brown to reposition himself as a "people's champion" fighting for ordinary voters on issues like housing, fuel and food prices.

Mr Simpson, who is usually supportive of Mr Brown, said that since becoming Labour leader last year he has appeared torn between whether he wants to be a Blairite or go back to traditional core Labour values.

As a result he has been unable to fight for ordinary Labour voters, said the union boss.

Mr Simpson told the Daily Mirror: "What's concerning people? House prices, electric and gas prices, food prices. There are still concerns about job security.

"If he came out on some of these issues sounding like a people's champion, even if at the end of it he could not deliver, it would make a massive difference in the perception people have of him.

"At the moment it looks as if he doesn't really care about these issues or he doesn't understand."

But he added: "I don't think there is going to be a change of leader and I agree with that because I don't see any of the others saying anything which would be very helpful at all. Certainly not (Foreign Secretary David) Miliband."