The BBC's Wyre Davies says proposal is by no means certain to succeed

Senior figures in the party want new Welsh Secretary Alun Michael to replace Ron Davies and take on MP Rhodri Morgan and Euro MP Wayne David as his deputies.

Both men are potential rivals as Labour's candidate for Assembly first secretary.

Pressure to abandon ambition: Rhodri Morgan

The dream ticket approach also calls on Mr Morgan, Cardiff West MP, to abandon his ambition for the post. He lost out to Ron Davies in a leadership contest in September.

The move is backed by Labour MP Don Touhig, secretary of the Welsh Labour MPs' group in the Commons.

The move steps up pressure on Mr Michael to throw his hat into the ring to become Labour's leader in Wales. Downing Street is believed to favour Mr Michael as candidate and it is believed an announcement may come soon.

But earlier, in the Commons, Mr Michael again avoided answering questions about whether he will stand.

He appeared in the House for the first time as Mr Davies' successor at Question Time.

Conscript or volunteer?

Conservative Constitutional Affairs spokesman Liam Fox asked: "What does the secretary of state believe would be the cost to the standing of the first secretary in the assembly if he were thought to be a conscript and not a volunteer?"

Mr Michael replied it was important the first secretary would lead it with "distinction and vigour" and promised Labour would provide that.

"Will you be a conscript?" asks Liam Fox

Mr Fox tried again to provoke Mr Michael into a reply on his position, asking whether there would be a conflict of interest if a cabinet minister were to stand.

"Is it possible to serve two masters?" he asked.

Mr Michael said: "The honourable gentleman obviously didn't look carefully at the answers that were given in the debate in this House when those issues were debated previously."

Another reference to the question came from Conservative Theresa Gorman, who said she hoped his new appointment would not "end up costing him his career in this House".

Is the assembly worth it? asks Theresa Gorman

Since the government was having difficulty finding a candidate and since only one in four people backed the assembly, did he really think it was worth the cost, she asked.

Mr Michael hit back: "It's very nice to have some interest in the assembly from the benches opposite.

"But it's hardly appropriate for them to be giving us advice on dealing with matters in Wales when they've got two individuals fighting like cats in a sack for what will be an insignificant group of Conservatives within the assembly."

Tributes to Davies

As for the leadership, Mr Michael said, it was more a matter for the party which had the strongest representation, not for a party that has no representation in Wales.

Gareth Thomas (Clwyd West) praised the "vision and determination" of Mr Davies in ensuring the assembly became a reality.

In his opening remarks, the minister said he wished he could have been taking over the job "in different circumstances" and paid tribute to his predecessor.

He received congratulations from every MP who put a question.

He faced a series of questions how Territorial Army cuts would affect Wales and on farming problems, but detailed answers came from junior ministers.

Mr Michael said an announcement was due soon and the regiments would continue to make a valuable contribution in future.

Peter Hain is forced to withdraw his "slur" on John Redwood

Conservative Damien Green cited a drop in business start-ups in Wales and blasted the government for "crucifying" manufacturing industry.

Minister Peter Hain retorted that the Tories had presided over record bankruptcies, interest rates and job losses.

He accused Trade Secretary John Redwood of "blinking like a gormless alien" at a recent CBI conference when Labour ministers were greeted enthusiastically.

Mr Hain was asked by Speaker Betty Boothroyd to withdraw the "slur" - and promptly did so.