North Tyneside MP Stephen Byers does have a habit of making dramatic interventions at crucial junctures in British politics.

And the former Cabinet minister has done it again today with a dramatic article, warning that next month is "make or break" for the Prime Minister and his Government with the budget on 22 April following on from the G20 summit of world leaders in London.

Clear here for his article published on progress magazine online today. But see below for some of his comments:

"Contrary to conventional wisdom - and the opinion polls - I do not believe that the coming election has been won by the Conservatives, I believe that Labour under Gordon Brown's leadership can still win."

Mr Byers says David Cameron has not yet "closed the deal" with voters but warns Gordon Brown needs to clearly set out where Labour wants to take the country - and offer practical proposals.

The G20 summit is "too ambitious" with the immediate focus on getting the world through the immediate crisis.

He also reveals he has changed his mind on the VAT cut and questions whether it has run its course in economic and political benefit.

"The 2.5 per cent cut in V.A.T. may appear modest but it comes at significant cost. On its own figures it will cost the Treasury £8.6 bn between April and the end of the year.

"For this amount personal allowances for income tax purposes in 2009-10 could be raised by £1,520 to £7,995.

"This would bring significant benefits to all income taxpayers but perhaps most importantly it would take 1.7 million low paid workers out of paying income tax altogether."