Turmoil as plotters turn on PM

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Rival groups of backbenchers squared up as the Prime Minister's supporters sought, in turn, to defend his position ahead of the party's annual conference this weekend.

Cabinet ministers refused to endorse calls for a leadership contest but also stopped short of condemning those involved in the plot.

There were reports that some ministers had privately assured the rebels that they would move against Mr Brown if he did not raise his game over the coming weeks.

The weekend's developments will ensure that Labour's gathering in Manchester, starting on Saturday, will be dominated by talk about whether the Prime Minister can remain in office.

About a dozen MPs have so far spoken out against Mr Brown's leadership since assistant whip Siobhain McDonagh broke ranks to demand a contest for the top job.

She lost her job, as did Joan Ryan, who was a Labour vice chairman and Mr Brown's envoy to Cyprus until she joined the revolt.

Business Secretary John Hutton said he did not dismiss the rebels' concerns, but refused to join their calls for a change of leader.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband, who is seen as a potential successor to Mr Brown, said he also did not agree with calls for a leadership election.

The rebel MPs have requested that leadership nomination forms are issued to all MPs ahead of the party's conference. They need require 20% - or 71 MPs - to nominate a challenger to trigger a leadership election.