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John Prescott to stand down as MP John Prescott to stand down as MP
(30 minutes later)
John Prescott has said he will stand down as an MP at the next election.John Prescott has said he will stand down as an MP at the next election.
The former deputy prime minister made the announcement at a weekend garden party, the chairman of the Hull East Labour Party, Steve Brady, said.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, seen as a mediator between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, quit his government post in June.The Hull East MP, seen as a mediator between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, quit his government post in June.
Councillor Brady said Mr Prescott's decision to stand down had been widely expected, but the MP still enjoyed wide support. He is a good MP and has served his constituency excellently Steve BradyChairman of the Hull East Labour Party
"There was loud applause for him for the work that he has done, and also there were tributes paid for the time that he served as MP," he said. Councillor Brady said Mr Prescott was a popular MP because of his "common touch", and he spent his time solving difficult problems for his constituents.
This had been something the national media had not often reported, he said.
"He is a good MP and has served his constituency excellently."
When Mr Prescott announced he was to step down, "there was loud applause" for the work he had done, as well as tributes paid, Mr Brady said.
"There were many people who were there at his original selection who were there also to pay tribute.""There were many people who were there at his original selection who were there also to pay tribute."
Mr Brady said Mr Prescott's decision to stand down had been expected and that he had made the announcement ahead of official confirmation in September so that his constituency could "get on with selecting a new MP".
Long serviceLong service
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.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.
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.