Future PM backing for Brown

Beleaguaered Gordon Brown has received backing from one of the favourites to succeed him.Speaking on a visit to Salford, Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell, denied the prime minister's political career was near its end.Mr Purnell, MP for Stalybridge and Hyde, said: "He is a remarkable man. He is passionate about public service and improving the lives of ordinary people."If you think about the changes in Greater Manchester over the last 10 years you would have to say that although there are still problems, it is a much better place than it used to be."He admitted Mr Brown's popularity had taken a hammering but said: "We believe we have the right policies - we want to show to people that we are listening to their concerns about prices and tax."Mr Purnell, who at 38 is the youngest member of Mr Brown's Cabinet, was previously the Culture Media and Sport Secretary.He along with David Miliband, Ed Balls, and Alan Johnson, is being touted as the possible next prime minister.Asked if he was ambitious enough to want the top job he said: "I am ambitious about changes, I am ambitious about helping people."Asked if he would turn down the post if it was offered, he said: "I never shirk any job - I am the Minister for Work".Mr Purnell was visiting Work Solutions' Skills to Work project which is being funded by Salford council. It aims to help people without jobs get work or training, including lone parents and those with disabilities.Mr Purnell said: "It is important to provide support to enable people to have the confidence and skills to get back to work."But he added his department would also not tolerate benefits cheats.He said: . "Everyone that can work should be working. There is no excuse for being on benefits when everyone out there is working hard and paying taxes."Mr Purnell met people who had benefited from horticultural and landscaping courses organised by the Pendleton-based project.Mark Schofield, 31, from Charlestown, one of the trainees, said: "The training at Salford council has been great. "The grounds staff have been incredibly supportive, full of advice and more than willing to teach us skills we need. I have learned more than I could have imagined. The team spirit has been wonderful." Manchester Evening News