Quitting?

John Prescott has dismissed reports that he is set to quit politics.

The deputy prime minister's intervention came on Sunday after press reports suggested that he had told Tony Blair that he would be leaving frontline politics when the next election comes.

Despite well-placed claims that Prescott had decided to leave the Commons, the Hull MP issued a statement denying the reports.

"I have nothing to say at this stage. This is a matter between my constituents and I and when the selection process starts they will make the decision," said Prescott.

"In view of the unfounded and mischievous speculation, I have now told my constituency party officers that I fully intend to put myself forward again as the candidate at the next election."

Others suggest Prescott will still quit and believe his denial is as an attempt to stop rival ministers launching a pre-emptive strike for the deputy leadership of the Labour Party.

Prescott has seen his ministerial role cut since the last election, after he was moved from the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions to the Cabinet Office - widely considered to be the government's departure hall.

Should he quit the Commons, it is thought unlikely that the down-to-earth 63-year-old MP will take a seat in the House of Lords.