Brown to begin political fightback

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

A Downing Street spokesman said the first gathering of the Cabinet following the summer break had now been scheduled for Monday September 8 and was expected to take place in the West Midlands.

Ministers will also be taking part in a series of other events in the region on the day where they will have an opportunity to "engage" with the public.

"We feel that it is consistent with the Government's approach that it wants to listen and learn from the experiences of people in this country," the spokesman said.

Cabinet meetings are normally held on a Tuesday morning in No 10 but the spokesman said it was hoped that in future more would take place away from the capital.

It was also confirmed that Chancellor Alistair Darling was taking over responsibility for co-ordinating Government activity in London this week while the Prime Minister continues his family holiday in Suffolk.

Mr Darling replaces Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman who was the senior duty minister last week.

Nevertheless, the spokesman emphasised that Mr Brown continued to remain "closely involved" in dealing with key issues, including a package of measures to help vulnerable households struggling with rising energy costs.

"We will continue to work with the energy companies and others to make sure that we provide help, including social tariffs, for those groups," the spokesman said. "Protecting those who struggle to heat their homes is an absolute priority for the Government."

The package is expected to form a key element of Mr Brown's political fightback, along with a Cabinet reshuffle and the publication of an economic recovery plan, both expected in September.