Prescott to stand down at next election
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.
