Harriet Harman denies plotting to oust embattled Brown

HARRIET Harman was forced to deny plotting against Gordon Brown today amid growing speculation over the Prime Minister's future.

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 were reports today 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 any one 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'."

According to the Times, Ms Harman, Labour's deputy leader, was overheard making the comment as she watched coverage of the Glasgow East count on television.

The report follows signs of friction between Number 10 and the Cabinet minister over whether she is in charge while Mr Brown is on holiday.

Ms Harman held a meeting with officials in Downing Street first thing yesterday morning, after the premier departed for Suffolk.

But a spokesman for the PM slapped down her allies' claims that she was responsible for the day-to-day running of the country, making clear she was merely "one of the senior ministers" overseeing business in Whitehall.

Downing Street sources today dismissed rumours that Ms Harman and Mr Miliband were preparing leadership campaigns as "garbage".