Brown puts Labour on alert for poll

In his first speech as party leader, Mr Brown sparked speculation by appointing one of his closest allies, Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander, to prepare for a poll - which most observers believe could take place next year.

The surprise move came despite Mr Brown previously letting slip that he expected to call the next general election in 2009.

Mr Brown is putting the final touches to his first government after receiving a ringing endorsement from predecessor Tony Blair at an emotional special conference in Manchester.

The Chancellor - who enters Number 10 on Wednesday - told the crowd he was "ready to serve", and promised to "meet the challenge of change".

He singled out the NHS as his top priority but also pledged action on housing, education, child poverty and the constitution.

The housing minister will now sit in Cabinet as a signal of Mr Brown's commitment to tackling the shortage of homes, particularly in the south-east.

The new leader confirmed that Harriet Harman, who caused an upset by beating Education Secretary Alan Johnson to become Labour's deputy, will act as party chairman.

Ms Harman is likely to sit in Cabinet without responsibility for a specific portfolio, but will not be given the role of Deputy Prime Minister as John Prescott was.

During her acceptance speech she promised to focus her attention on grass-roots issues and end the culture of spin.