Writing in today's Times, the health secretary, Alan Milburn, warns against blocking key reforms to the NHS, a move which could jeopardise Labour's chances at the next general election.

However, he denies that his comments are aimed at chancellor Gordon Brown and the Treasury, which has objected to key components of the reform plan to create "foundation hospitals" that have financial independence.

"There is no automatic correlation that tax-funded healthcare has to mean healthcare run simply by central government," he says.

Today's Independent reports that Milburn has won the backing of Tony Blair in his move to create foundation hospitals.