An Oxford professor has urged the Queen to use her powers to call an election if Gordon Brown resigns from office.

Vernon Bogdanor, Professor of Government at Oxford said, "There would be considerable public pressure for an early general election if there is another unelected prime minister."

Bognador added that if Brown continued to ignore clear signs that he had lost the support of the party and the Cabinet, the Queen could be justified in intervening.

"The Queen can ask the Prime Minister if he thinks it is in the best interests of the government and the country if he should continue."