Ex-PM Major attacks Brown's record

The Chancellor shares responsibility for Labour's failures, Sir John said, and much of his success was inherited from his own deposed Conservative administration.

Speaking out at the launch of a group for young Tory high-fliers in the City, he said: "Soon Tony Blair will have gone; it is likely Gordon Brown will replace him.

"It will not be an improvement - or even much of a change. For this is not a Blair Government; it is a Blair/Brown Government.

"Gordon Brown cannot shuffle off the responsibility for the failures of the last 10 years."

"Ten years ago, Labour came in inheriting a buoyant economy with huge public goodwill and an unassailable majority in Parliament. They have wasted it.

"What has happened 10 years on? We have paid extra taxes year after year - but what is actually better?

"As far as I can see, there are few, if any, signs that public services have improved.

"Nurses, doctors, soldiers, civil servants, teachers - all line up in turn to express their dissatisfaction. So do the public.

"It is easy to understand their frustration."