After the report on the investigation of John Prescott came out with dire content, ministers have smelled blood and seem to be going in for the kill.
Now, at least seven ministers are believed to be soliciting support: Jack Straw, Harriet Harman, Patricia Hewitt, Hazel Blears, Alan Johnson, Peter Hain and David Miliband.
Rumors had gone around the block during the height of the Prescott controversy that Miliband is the prime candidate to take over his spot.
Friday completed the deliberation that followed the submission of a report by standards watchdog Sir Philip Mawer, where Prescott was found guilty of breaking parliamentary rules by staying at the Colorado ranch of super casino bidder Philip Anschutz.
The pressure has been on for quite some time for Prescott to resign. Even loyalist Labour MPs have doubts over Prescott.
"I don't know of a Labour MP who thinks that John Prescott should still be deputy leader. But there is no mechanism for getting rid of Prescott and if you pull one string you could unravel the whole cardigan," one loyalist Labour MP said.
There seems to be no stopping the onslaught of rumors of Prescott being replaced even though Blair has expressed support for Prescott, saying that his second in command will be taking over his post "as normal" come next month when he takes his vacation.