Prescott to step down

FORMER British deputy prime minister John Prescott, pictured, has announced that he will step down as an MP at the next general election.

Mr Prescott relayed his decision to activists at a party in his Hull East constituency over the weekend.

Yesterday he said: “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 general election, whenever that might be.”

Westminster watchers believe he will enter the House of Lords soon after leaving the Commons. He has also struck a reported £300,000 (€443,000) deal to write his memoirs. Mr Prescott, 69, previouslydismissed persistent rumours that he would be standing down as “press prattle”.

Among the contenders to succeed Mr Prescott in Hull East is his son, David.