Question marks are hanging over the future of British deputy prime minister John Prescott as he returns to work following the bank holiday weekend.
Mr Prescott is in charge of running the country this week in the absence of Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is on holidays in Italy.
But MPs renewed their criticism of Mr Prescott after the publication of pictures showing him playing croquet on the lawn of his country retreat Dorneywood shortly after taking over from Mr Blair.
Labour MPs have been openly demanding his removal, and backbenchers are angry that Mr Prescott has been allowed to keep his Cabinet seat, his £133,000 ministerial salary and two state-funded homes.
Calder Valley MP Christine McCafferty said Mr Prescott should resign in order to allow Labour to "re-engage" with women voters furious that he had apparently been "rewarded" after admitting an affair with a secretary.
Normally loyal Derek Wyatt, MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, said Mr Prescott's position was "untenable".
Downing Street on Sunday night said that Mr Prescott retained the Mr Blair's full confidence.