The British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, has said that a new, expanding and more meritocratic British middle class could keep Labour in power for 10 years, provided his government delivers on its election promises.
In a keynote speech to the Institute for Public Policy Research, the Prime Minister said "the old establishment" was slowly but surely being replaced by a "new" middle class, "a middle class characterised by greater tolerance of difference, greater ambition to succeed, greater opportunities to earn a decent living".
But far from abandoning Labour's traditional supporters, this new middle class would include within its ranks "millions of people who traditionally may see themselves as working-class, but whose ambitions are far broader than those of their parents or grandparents".
Outlining his vision of a society providing "ladders of opportunity" rather than "ceilings" on success, Mr Blair said: "Far from abandoning our traditional support, we are saying that in a modern Britain everyone must have the chance to fulfil their potential, whatever their background, age, sex or race."
He continued: "This government has a 10-year programme to tackle poverty and social exclusion. At the end of it I believe we will have an expanded middle class, with ladders of opportunity for those from all backgrounds, no more ceilings that prevent people from achieving the success they merit."
Mr Blair's speech was the latest in a series by ministers designed to refocus attention on "the big picture" following the resignations, controversies and scandals of the last three weeks.
Following the notable failure by the Tory leader, Mr William Hague, to successfully exploit the government's embarrassments Mr Blair confidently told his audience yesterday that his 1997 election manifesto did not set the limit of his ambitions: "It is our first base, not our last word."
And Mr Blair fired the first shots in this year's Scottish and Welsh election campaigns, warning Scots that a split from the United Kingdom would be disastrous for their economy.
In an article in the Financial Times, Mr Blair suggested opinion polls that show Scots believe their country would eventually split from the UK reflected media influence.
"They know perfectly well," said Mr Blair, "that if Scotland left the UK, the consequences in terms of jobs and business and influence for Scotland in the world would be disastrous. In their heart of hearts, people in Scotland know that Scotland is stronger for being with England as England is stronger for being with Scotland."
And despite the seemingly cool reaction to proposals for elected mayors in cities outside London, Mr Blair insisted they could help to revitalise inner cities and were wanted by the people.
"Millions of people live in the inner city," said Mr Blair. "They often live with poor schooling, high crime, low-quality transport and an environment that doesn't encourage people to stay and raise families. To regenerate it, you need it focusing on an individual who has a clear initiative and is going either to get elected or booted out."
Mr Charlie Whelan, former press secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, yesterday dismissed claims of personality clashes in the British Labour party leadership. In a radio interview, Mr Whelan, who was forced to resign in the Peter Mandelson loan affair, declared he was "100 per cent loyal" to the government, and denied ever briefing journalists against any minister.