This year is likely to see a focus on the core battlegrounds of politics.

Economics and jobs are of course huge and the fight will be intense to convince the British people who can deliver.

But the other two massive issues on which the vote will be won or lost are schools and the National Health Service.

In all this I must defend the Labour Party’s pledge to raise the top rate of tax to 50p.

With even more cutbacks set to hit ordinary people it is entirely reasonable that the better-off take their share of the pain and sacrifice a bit more.

When Labour came to power in 1997 it found the country’s infrastructure in a terrible state.

In its period of office it transformed the health service, schools and universities – all badly needed. Critics should look at the positives. Labour has been unfairly getting the blame for the 2007/8 crash.

Of course mistakes will always be made – mistakes are part of life – but most of the problems were nothing to do with politicians and entirely down to the banks and financial institutions.

Neither is the 50p tax an attack on business.

It is not a case of Labour going out of its way to upset business. I am sure they will be concentrating hard on how best to help SMEs.

They are certainly listening and I believe that will be reflected in policy pledges.

As for schools, the Coalition Government has introduced major change. Indeed it has probably gone too far.

I detect that our schools, teachers and pupils are reeling.

There is a desperate need for stability. Education requires a period where it is left alone to adjust and get on top of all that has been thrown at it.

The National Health Service too has seen change but also vilification. There is much negative propaganda as to the state of our hospitals and the conduct of our general practitioners.

The NHS is forever in the media spotlight – portrayed as failing.

And this takes its toll on staff morale.

Despite all this I believe the National Health Service, established by Labour, remains one of this country’s greatest achievements.

It is hugely valued by citizens. NHS efficiencies have to be improved but the cuts are too deep.

* Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya is a Labour peer and founder of Warwick Manufacturing Group