An immediate move by senior figures to force Blair out is however unlikely.
Home Secretary John Prescott, touted as a possible intermediary, effectively ruled that out by praising Blair's "integrity" on Saturday.
In a speech littered with references to Blair's forthcoming departure he also warned Labor could lose the next election if candidates for the deputy leadership keep attacking the government.
When Blair went it would be time to acknowledge mistakes but also to be constructive, he said: "Any candidate in [the deputy election] has a critical role to play in ensuring the balance is right. Get it right and the government and party will benefit. Get it wrong and it could mean potential defeat at the polls."
Rebel MPs however see March 26, the date pencilled in for reviving self-rule in Northern Ireland, as a pivotal point after which they want Blair to announce a departure date.
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