Backbenchers to challenge Brown

At least 30 Labour MPs are to write a joint letter to the entire cabinet in a bid to unseat Gordon Brown, a newspaper has claimed. The letter will outline how the MPs, described as backbench "moderates",are despairing overwhat they see asproblems facing the Labour party, including Mr Brown's leadership. The letter will say thata leadership election should be held, but will not put forward any candidates, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The hunt to find the conspirators has been initiated by supporters loyal to Brown who believe the letter has already been drafted. According to an un-named source, MPs backing the letter will include Alan Milburn, Stephen Byers, Charles Clarke and Hilary Armstrong.

It is thought that Mr Brown's opponents within the party now favour a young leader to challenge David Cameron, such as David Miliband or James Purnell. Jack Straw had previously been the favourite, but on sunday he publicly backed Mr Brown to remain as Prime Minister, as part of a phalanx of senior Labour figures who rallied to his support. Former deputy PM John Prescott praised Mr Brown, and dismissed the cabinet as being empty of a worthwhile alternative.

Mr Prescott said: "None of them at the present moment has anywhere near the skills and experience, nationally and internationally, to lead this great party and country as we tackle these unprecedented major global problems."