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John Prescott to stand down as MP John Prescott to stand down as MP
(20 minutes later)
John Prescott has said he is to stand down as an MP at the next election.John Prescott has said he is to stand down as an MP at the next election.
The former deputy prime minister, who was treated for pneumonia in June, made the announcement at a weekend party. The former deputy prime minister made the announcement at a weekend garden party, the chairman of the Hull East Labour Party, Steve Brady, said.
Mr Prescott, 69, has been an MP for 37 years and has already taken a role as the British representative to the Council of Europe.Mr Prescott, 69, has been an MP for 37 years and has already taken a role as the British representative to the Council of Europe.
The Hull East MP, who was widely seen as a mediator between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, quit his government post when Mr Blair left office in June. The Hull East MP, seen as a mediator between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, quit his government post in June.
His working life took him from a job as a steward on cruise ships to the top table of government - serving as deputy prime minister throughout the Blair administration. Mr Prescott's working life took him from a job as a steward on cruise ships to the top table of government - serving as deputy prime minister throughout the Blair administration.
Along with his political achievements, such as working towards the Kyoto protocol on climate change, other events catapulted him into the headlines.Along with his political achievements, such as working towards the Kyoto protocol on climate change, other events catapulted him into the headlines.
Colourful careerColourful career
In the 2001 general election campaign he scuffled with a man who threw an egg at him. And in 2006, he admitted to an affair with secretary Tracey Temple.In the 2001 general election campaign he scuffled with a man who threw an egg at him. And in 2006, he admitted to an affair with secretary Tracey Temple.
His image problems were later compounded when a newspaper published pictures of him playing croquet with staff at his grace-and-favour country residence, Dorneywood.His image problems were later compounded when a newspaper published pictures of him playing croquet with staff at his grace-and-favour country residence, Dorneywood.
But, as an old Labour stalwart, Mr Prescott helped to maintain links between the party leadership and membership.But, as an old Labour stalwart, Mr Prescott helped to maintain links between the party leadership and membership.
He remained an MP after quitting the government when Mr Blair left office and will replace Manchester Central MP Tony Lloyd on the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.He remained an MP after quitting the government when Mr Blair left office and will replace Manchester Central MP Tony Lloyd on the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Earlier this month it was confirmed that he was in talks with publishers over his memoirs.Earlier this month it was confirmed that he was in talks with publishers over his memoirs.