Brown's 'new type of politics'

Mr Brown also announced he wanted citizens' juries to advise on key public services and the rarely-used device of a Speaker's Conference to tackle disillusionment among the public with the political system.

The Prime Minister's wide-ranging consultation plans, also involving a "citizens' summit" to help draw up a statement of British values, mean an autumn election is virtually out of the question.

And he declared: "There will be a time and a place for an election but it is not now."

The Premier instead embarked on the new political season declaring it could not be "business as usual" because the challenges faced by the country were too profound.

He announced that Conservative MP Patrick Mercer - fired as Tory homeland security spokesman earlier this year because of allegedly racist comments - would advise the Government's security minister Lord West as "a recognised expert on security issues".

And fellow Tory John Bercow will lead a review of services for children and young people with speech and communication difficulties.

Liberal Democrat MP Matthew Taylor will advise Environment Secretary Hilary Benn on land use and planning systems to help rural communities.

Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell welcomed the move but Tory chairman Caroline Spelman was more cautious saying: "If this is a genuine attempt to involve talented people from other political parties, then it is welcome. David Cameron has always made clear that he would work with Gordon Brown on issues where we agree."

Mr Brown, in a speech in London, said the first citizens' jury would meet this week to discuss children's and youth issues. It will be followed by a citizens' jury on crime next week and nine nationwide simultaneous events debating the NHS.