Reform calls confuse voters, says Brown ally

Gordon Brown's chief ally has launched an attack on Blairites calling for reform, accusing them of demoralising Labour activists and confusing the voters.

Ed Balls, the Chancellor's former economic adviser, drew the clearest battle lines yet between the Blair and Brown camps over strategy for a third term as he spoke out at a fringe meeting.

Mr Balls dismissed claims the next election campaign should not praise Labour's record in office and that "radical" changes were needed to public services.

"There are some people who say that we don't need more of this safety-first approach. There is this 'year zero' idea that we can put the past behind us with a new strategy for the future," Mr Balls told the Independent's fringe meeting.

"It doesn't make sense ... it's not good politics. It demoralises the Labour Party and makes the country confused."

Mr Balls, who is now prospective candidate for Normanton, also seized on Mr Blair's problems with "trust" over Iraq.