Harman denies plotting against PM

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The Leader of the Commons insisted she was not preparing a campaign to take over at Number 10, and reiterated her loyalty to Mr Brown.

She also rejected reports that in the wake of the Glasgow East by-election defeat she had been overheard telling aides: "This is my moment."

Pressure has been ratcheting up on Mr Brown since last week's ballot box humiliation, with several backbenchers openly calling for him to consider his position.

There have been reports that around 10 junior Government members could quit in protest if the Prime Minister does not agree to step down soon.

Meanwhile, the Lib Dems announced they would be targeting resources to unseat dozens of Labour MPs at the next general election - reinforcing the burgeoning sense of panic among backbenchers.

Ms Harman's rebuttal followed widespread rumours that she and Foreign Secretary David Miliband were gearing up for leadership bids.

In a statement, she said: "I am not preparing the ground for a leadership election. In respect of Labour's defeat in the Glasgow East by-election, I did not tell aides - or anyone else - that 'this is my moment'.

"I was bitterly disappointed by the Glasgow East by-election result in which I campaigned in support of Margaret Curran - a woman who I admire greatly."

She added: "My 'public protestations of loyalty' to Gordon Brown are no different to what I have expressed in private. I do not accept 'it is over'."