Clare Short's call for Tony Blair resign provoked a furious response from Cabinet ministers yesterday.

Speaking to GMTV on Sunday, the former international development secretary said the prime minister should go before events got "ever nastier".

David Blunkett, the home secretary, retorted: "Clare Short is being typically self-indulgent. It is important to get behind the prime minister and focus on the things that matter to people, like decent opportunities and economic prosperity."

Peter Hain, the leader of the Commons, said there was nothing new in Short's outburst.

Alistair Darling, the transport secretary, said she was in danger of "downgrading" her achievements as a minister.

Patricia Hewitt, the trade and industry secretary, said Tony Blair was "the most successful leader of the British Labour Party that there has ever been".

Peter Mandelson, the former minister, suggested that Short's comments were inspired by her desire to see the chancellor installed in No 10.

"Look, we all know where Clare Short is coming from, and doesn't require any further comment from me," he said.

However, a "close adviser" to the prime minister, tells today's Sun that the government has run out of ideas.

"One of the big problems is we haven't got any new policies. The PM has spent the last year concentrating on the war in Iraq and has nothing new to say about where we are going as a government," said the source.

"I can't believe we are in this situation, but wherever you look it looks bad for him."