A number of Tony Blair's close aides and advisers have decided to leave Downing Street following the election.

Today's Times claims that six people have quit, while there is doubt over the future of a further half-dozen.

These include Baroness Morgan, the prime minister's head of external relations, who is understood to be considering a lucrative offer from the private sector.

Pat McFadden, Tony Blair's political secretary, has left, having been elected as Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East.

But Matthew Taylor, Number 10's policy chief who had been expected to leave after the election for a job in the media is now reconsidering.

"It would be untrue to say we are some sort of empty shell or sinking ship," a senior  source said yesterday.

"There are a lot more people who would love jobs here than there are people who are leaving."

However, one 'close ally' of the prime minister said last night: "Tony needs some friends around him at the moment. There is a very grim mood about the place."