British prime minister Tony Blair's reshuffle may have backfired as media criticism of his leadership and even some of his own MPs has increased, with special ire directed at his deputy John Prescott.
Reshuffling the cabinet had been seen by analysts as Mr Blair's bid to reassert his authority and signal he has no plans to step down just yet, but there were reports backbenchers were ready to sign a letter demanding Mr Blair set a timetable for his departure.
The reshuffle saw one-time key players such as Jack Straw, John Prescott and Charles Clarke exit from high profile ministries.
But Mr Prescott, the deputy prime minister, who has been the object of media ridicule over an affair with a secretary will keep his job title and salary even after losing his departmental responsibilities.
"I think it is outrageous that the deputy prime minister loses his department but keeps his position, his salary and the perks of the job," Labour MP Geraldine Smith told BBC radio.
"I think most people were astonished by this reshuffle."
Another Labour MP, former sports minister Kate Hoey, was also unclear as to what Prescott's role would be.
"What on earth is he going to get paid for?" she was quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror.
Few of today's newspapers had much praise for Mr Blair.
The Sunhad the headline "Cabinet reshuffle kerfuffle" and asked "what is the point of John Prescott?" while the Tory supporting Daily Telegraphran with "Nightmare on Downing Street".
There was also media reports that up to 50 Labour backbenches are ready to sign a letter to Mr Blair asking him to set a timetable for his promise to step down before the next election.
"Plotters move to oust Blair" was the headline in the more Labour friendly which said the prime minister had come under pressure from Gordon Brown's allies to name the day.
Guardian
Mr Blair has said he will not stand in the next national elections, due by 2010, and Mr Brown is widely tipped to replace him. Mr Brown and Mr Blair are set to meet this weekend to talk about the future direction of the party.
Labour lost 319 of the seats it was defending in Thursday's elections for local authorities while the Conservatives won 316 with almost all the results counted.