LABOUR MP Charlotte Atkins has given her backing to the Prime Minister in the wake of calls for him to quit after a trouncing in the county and European elections.

Ms Atkins, who is trying to repair her reputation following the expenses scandal which rocked Parliament, was initially undecided about whether Gordon Brown is the right person to lead the country.

The party was rocked as its share of the European vote was far worse than expected.

But after attending a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party at Westminster on Monday, she confirmed she would not join rebels demanding the PM stands down.

And Ms Atkins firmly believes the Labour Party can still turn around its fortunes after listening to a 25-minute speech in which Mr Brown fiercely defended his position.

She said: "Gordon Brown gave a very strong performance.

"He has promised to have a more inclusive leadership as well as implementing wholesale Parliamentary reform.

"They say a week is a long time in politics and we have a year to get back on track. It's definitely possible at both national and local level."

Ms Atkins' show of support comes after the Conservatives took control of County Hall in Stafford after an absence of almost three decades.

She expressed her "disappointment" at the results but insists it could have been a great deal worse.

The backbencher said: "We had a dismal night but it was not a wholehearted endorsement of our main political rivals.

"It was interesting to see that the Labour vote stayed at home rather than transferring to the Conservatives.

"It was telling that the Tories lost a Leek seat to UKIP.

"I would like to thank all those people who did go out and vote for us. Their loyalty was much appreciated.

"The election results were unfortunately a reflection of voters' disillusionment which is why we should be looking at political reform to win back confidence.

"An opportunity for change has presented itself and it must be grabbed. I would personally like to see the age someone can vote reduced to 16 and more transparency."

Ms Atkins also dismissed the clamour for a General Election which she claims would not solve the present difficulties faced by the country.

She said: "The public is quite rightly angry but now is not the best time."

Eileen Murfin, chairman of Staffordshire Moorlands Labour, admits the party faces an "uphill battle" to retain the seat when the electorate goes to the poll.

She said: "It is always a disheartening feeling when our political enemies get the better of us.

"We have time to turn it around and we will give it our best shot."

Mrs Murfin believes keeping Ms Atkins as Labour's candidate will give the party the best chance of re-election in the Staffordshire Moorlands – despite unfavourable boundary changes by the Electoral Commission.

She said: "We are completely confident that Charlotte is the right person for the job."