Senior Labour Party members in Oxfordshire have backed Gordon Brown to continue as Prime Minister - despite fevered speculation over his future.

Mr Brown has had a torrid few weeks after suffering a crucial by-election defeat in Crewe and Nantwich, a mauling at the local elections at the start of the month and talk of a leadership challenge from backbench Labour MPs.

However, he can be heartened to learn he still has the backing of several senior local activists, including Littlemore city councillor and former Oxford Lord Mayor John Tanner.

He said: "I think it is a question for the whole Government, not just Gordon Brown.

"I don't think there are instant solutions like changing the leader.

"I think Gordon Brown is an excellent Prime Minister."

"The whole Labour Government has to listen more to the public and address their concerns.

"That is what we have done in Oxford and that is why we have bucked the trend here."

Barbara Gatehouse, Labour's leader at County Hall, said: "Being Prime Minister is not the easiest job in the world.

"He has got a lot to shoulder at the moment, but I have got every confidence he will shoulder it.

"He is a very strong personality - and he knows what he is doing."

Liz Brighouse, a former leader of Oxfordshire County Council's Labour group, also backed Mr Brown, adding he was the right man to lead the country through a global slow down in the economy.

Labour's Oxford East MP Andrew Smith was believed to be out of the country and unavailable for comment.