Prescott to stand down as MP

John Prescott has said it has been a "huge privilege" to be MP for Hull East, after announcing he is to step down as an MP.

Earlier, Steve Brady, who is Labour Party chairman for the constituency, confirmed the 69-year-old former deputy prime minister had told guests at a weekend garden party that he would quit at the next General Election.

Mr Brady said Mr Prescott "had put Hull on the international stage" and helped it "rise from the ashes."

Among the contenders to succeed Mr Prescott in Hull East is his son, David. Former Shipley MP and Gordon Brown aide Chris Leslie is also expected to run.

The former ship's steward and trade union activist, who has been an MP for 37 years, was famously dubbed "Two Jags" for owning one Jaguar and having the use of another as his official ministerial car.

This later became "Two Jabs" when he scuffled with a man who had thrown an egg at him during the 2001 election campaign.

In April 2006, he admitted to having a two-year affair with his diary secretary Tracey Temple. He has been married for more than 45 years to his wife Pauline and the couple have two children.

In recent weeks it was confirmed that he is in talks with publishers over writing his memoirs.

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