Labour is ignoring issues most important to hard-working families, junior health minister Ivan Lewis said.

"This is not a criticism of Gordon, but we have been in government 11 years and instead of being on the side of the people, too often we simply defend the status quo, even when it is unacceptable," he told the News of the World.

In an article, Mr Lewis said it was ironic that Labour, having "revolutionised" communications in politics, had "failed so dismally" to persuade people that it had delivered improvements in public services and living standards.

"It is right we focus on the great challenges of climate change, globalisation, security and poverty at home and abroad and the nature of public service reform," he said. "However, we are too often silent on the daily realities facing hardworking families."

His comments contrast with the Prime Minister's remarks at the launch of Labour's local election campaign on Tuesday.

In a foreword to the campaign launch document, Mr Brown wrote: "Our starting point is, and always will be, the struggles and the hopes and ambitions of hard working families."

Mr Brown has faced increasing disgruntlement within his own ranks recently as Labour trails the Tories in the polls by up to 14 points.

Former ministers Charles Clarke and Alan Milburn have also voiced concerns about Labour's fortunes since the last-minute decision to abandon a general election last autumn.