Brown hints at future as coalition talks grow

London: Gordon Brown yesterday gave a slim hint that he may stand down as another cabinet minister admitted he would be comfortable working with the Liberal Democrats, and even suggested the public might vote to force the two parties into a coalition.

Tensions continued inside Labour on whether it was wise to be so open to the Lib Dems, with some candidates in three-way constituency fights said to be anxious that they could be deserted by a central campaign determined to pave the way for a partnership. The charge was denied by Labour headquarters.

Speaking on the campaign trail, Brown set off fresh speculation about his longterm future when he admitted he could walk away from frontline politics.

"I'm only here because I want to make a difference. If I cannot make a difference, I go," he said.

The suggestion came amid speculation that his stance will strengthen the hand of disillusioned Labour ministers. Brown's aides insisted no significance should be read into his remarks, and that he was restating a general point about the need to be in politics for a purpose.

But it follows persistent reports that some in the party recognise Brown's promise to serve five years is holding potential Labour supporters back. Brown has told the Guardian he will serve a full five years.

In remarks initially to the Western Morning News, the culture secretary, Ben Bradshaw, added to the voices inside Labour who have been saying that the party could work with the Lib Dems in a hung parliament.