A tumultuous week for Tony Blair begins with today's papers reporting that the vote on top-up fees could go either way.

The prime minister spent the weekend making a series of phone calls to rebel MPs who have said they will not back the government.

The Times claims government whips are using indirect pressure by getting friendly MPs to lobby on their behalf.

Interviewed in today's Independent, Alan Johnson, the higher education minister, denies that the vote is a "mission impossible".

Defeat for Tony Blair would be only the fourth time in 100 years that a government has lost a bill at second reading.

With the rebels still confident of securing the 81 votes they need to block the bill, Gordon Brown is seen as integral to the prime minister's chances of avoiding defeat.

Interviewed on GMTV yesterday, the chancellor called on backbenchers to support the government, but refused to confirm whether Tony Blair would lead his party into the next election.

The chancellor said the question on whether Blair should go into the next election as prime minister was "a matter for him".

"Tony Blair has been a great prime minister for Britain and I think he has been a great leader of the Labour Party as well," he added.

His remarks have reignited speculation over whether the Downing Street neighbours have struck a secret deal over succession.