Straw 'convinced' by Brown as PM

Mr Straw said it was up to Mr Brown whether to appoint a deputy PM

Jack Straw has said he is "absolutely convinced" Gordon Brown is the "best person" to be prime minister.

The justice secretary said Mr Brown was a "powerful leader" and the reason the UK "done better" than other countries.

Some Labour MPs have criticised the prime minister's handling of the 10p tax rate change and changes to car tax.

A Labour peer has suggested Mr Straw might take over from Mr Brown, but the justice secretary said the PM should last "well beyond" current troubles.

Criticism of Mr Brown has increased amid difficult times for the global economy.

Deputy PM?

Labour has done badly in recent local elections, while it also lost the London mayoralty and the Crewe and Nantwich by-election.

It has been suggested that he should appoint a deputy prime minister to help reconnect with disillusioned voters and improve his administration.

Mr Straw told BBC Radio 4's The World at One: "Whether he did or did not would be up to him.

"The crucial issue for government is whether the prime minister is in charge."

At the weekend Labour peer Lord Desai said that, if Mr Brown did not respond to criticism, Mr Straw should take his place.

But the justice secretary said: "I'm absolutely convinced that Gordon Brown is the best person to lead the Labour Party and the government through these difficulties and well beyond.

"I was his campaign manager less than a year ago. Nothing has changed my view that he is the best person."

He added: "The only people who will benefit from speculation are the opposition and bookmakers."