Jack Straw has said he is "absolutely convinced" that Gordon Brown remains the "right man" to be leading Labour.
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His comments are the first time he has spoken out publicly in support of the prime minister since Thursday's defeat.
He told the BBC he had no plans to mount a leadership bid, despite reports an ally is canvassing support.
Mr Straw has been touted as a caretaker leader, but had previously made it known he wanted Labour to close ranks behind Mr Brown, without coming out publicly in support.
Several Sunday newspapers report that former minister George Howarth, a close ally of Mr Straw, is rallying support for an autumn move against Mr Brown.
But both Mr Straw's spokesman and Mr Howarth denied there was any attempt to mount a leadership challenge.
However, the BBC has learned that senior Labour Party figures, including some former ministers, are considering possible options for unseating Mr Brown.
'Summer of introspection'
BBC political correspondent Iain Watson said there were very active discussions in some senior Labour circles about how to persuade Mr Brown to resign by the autumn.
But he added that attempting to create a vacancy was very different from trying to mount a challenge.
In his statement issued late on Saturday, Mr Straw said: "I am absolutely convinced that Gordon Brown is the right man to be leading the Labour Party.
"I was convinced of that when I was his campaign manager last year and nothing that has happened since has changed that view.
"The result in Glasgow East was obviously disappointing but it would be a big mistake for the Labour Party to now turn in on itself and indulge in a summer of introspection."
He added: "Gordon Brown is the best leader to lead us through these tough times. He has done so before and he will do so again."
Mr Brown, who is under increased pressure after Labour lost the Glasgow East by-election to the SNP on a 22.54% swing, has dismissed calls for his resignation.
He said on Saturday: "I'm getting on with the job and I think it's important that in difficult economic circumstances we take the right decisions for the future to get fuel prices down, to get food prices down, to make sure we get the housing market moving."
(BBC)
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