Prescott to quit as MP

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The former Deputy Prime Minister informed local Labour activists of his decision at a party in his Hull East constituency over the weekend.

The 69-year-old had previously dismissed rumours that he was stepping down as "press prattle".

But in a statement 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."

Stephen Brady, chairman of the local Labour association, described the event for some 200 activists on Saturday night as "emotional".

"John told us he would not be standing again," he said. "People paid tribute to his long service. It was an emotional event."

Mr Prescott will officially notify local party members at a meeting on September 16.

He is not expected to retire from public life, having recently been appointed head of the Parliamentary delegation to the Council of Europe.

Westminster watchers believe he will enter the House of Lords soon after leaving the Commons. He has also struck a reported £300,000 deal to write his memoirs.

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.