Prescott to stand down at next election

John Prescott will stand down at the next general election

Monday, 27, Aug 2007 12:00

John Prescott has confirmed that he will stand down as an MP at the next general election.

His son David is reported to be a possible successor to the 69-year-old politician, along with former Gordon Brown aide Chris Leslie.

The ex-deputy prime minister announced the decision at a weekend garden party, Hull East Labour party chairman Steve Brady said.

A member of parliament for 37 years, Mr Prescott said it has been a "huge privilege" to represent his Hull East constituency.

He received "loud applause" in tribute to his work for Hull East upon making the announcement, Mr Brady said.

In a statement, Mr Prescott added: "It has been a huge privilege to represent the people of Hull East over the last 37 years.

"I will continue to do that until the next election," he added.

Depicted as a mediator between former prime minister Tony Blair and current leader Gordon Brown, Mr Prescott resigned from his position as deputy leader in June.

He is remembered for a number of controversial appearances in the headlines during his political career.

In addition to a scuffle with a man who had thrown an egg at him during the Labour party's 2001 election campaign, in April 2006 he admitted to having a two-year affair with his secretary Tracey Temple.

Reports suggest that Mr Prescott is already in discussions with publishers regarding the writing of his memoirs.