The charges against Brown: The Prime Minister's extraordinary decision to turn up several hours late for the signing of the Reform Treaty in Lisbon - leaving the main stage clear for his Foreign Secretary, David Miliband - has seen him face charges of gross discourtesy and even cowardice.

Mr Brown has faced a tide of criticism, notably from some former Labour ministers, for his failure to offer the British people a referendum on the treaty, despite his acknowledgement that it contains quite serious reforms of the European Union's structure.

Defence
What has happened: Mr Brown has been at pains to distance Britain, however subtly, from the gung-ho attitude towards Iraq associated with Mr Blair and President George Bush.

On the ground in Iraq, the process of withdrawing UK troops has effectively been speeded up, with the imminent handover of Basra to Iraqi security forces a clear symbol of the new stance. In Afghanistan, however, the PM has warned that British troops face a long haul in the battle with Taliban fighters in Helmand province.

The charges against Brown: His trip to Iraq during the Tory Party conference was roundly criticised and may well have played a role in Labour's falling opinion poll ratings just before the cancellation of the "election that never was" in October.

Five former Armed Forces chiefs used a House of Lords debate last month to accuse him of presiding over a regime of cutbacks when he was Chancellor and of lacking interest in military affairs.

The Economy
What has happened: Since Gordon Brown left the Treasury, the economy has shown clear signs of slowdown amid a global "credit crunch".

Home Affairs
The charges against Brown: The PM has been accused of failing to establish a consensus over plans to extend the time terror suspects can be held without charge from 28 to 42 days.

Education
What has happened: "Education is my passion," Mr Brown has declared. He installed his closest political ally, Ed Balls, as secretary of state in the renamed Children, Schools and Families Department.

Health
What has happened: Alan Johnson, the Health Secretary, has announced yet another review of the target-ridden NHS.