28/09/2006
Prescott apologises at Labour conference
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has apologised for letting Labour down through a series of scandals over the past year.
Speaking at the close of the party's conference in Manchester, Mr Prescott apologised for his affair with his diary secretary, as well as for the controversy over his visits to US billionaire Phil Anschutz - the owner of the Millennium Dome, who currently has a bid in to convert the venue into Britain's only 'super casino' - in a year which saw him stripped of his departmental responsibilities, following Labour's poor showing at May's local elections.
Addressing delegates, Mr Prescott said: "I know in the last year I let myself down, I let you down. So conference, I just want to say sorry."
Mr Prescott also confirmed that he would step down as Labour's deputy leader when Tony Blair leaves Downing Street next year.
However, he insisted that he would not be leaving "the political fight" and would continue to campaign for the Labour party.
The deputy leader's speech was rounded off with the showing of a short video, containing a collection of clips from throughout his career. Footage from the 2001 General Election campaign, when Mr Prescott punched a protestor who threw an egg at him, drew the biggest cheer from the conference.
He was joined onstage by his wife Pauline to receive a standing ovation.
(KMcA/EF)
Speaking at the close of the party's conference in Manchester, Mr Prescott apologised for his affair with his diary secretary, as well as for the controversy over his visits to US billionaire Phil Anschutz - the owner of the Millennium Dome, who currently has a bid in to convert the venue into Britain's only 'super casino' - in a year which saw him stripped of his departmental responsibilities, following Labour's poor showing at May's local elections.
Addressing delegates, Mr Prescott said: "I know in the last year I let myself down, I let you down. So conference, I just want to say sorry."
Mr Prescott also confirmed that he would step down as Labour's deputy leader when Tony Blair leaves Downing Street next year.
However, he insisted that he would not be leaving "the political fight" and would continue to campaign for the Labour party.
The deputy leader's speech was rounded off with the showing of a short video, containing a collection of clips from throughout his career. Footage from the 2001 General Election campaign, when Mr Prescott punched a protestor who threw an egg at him, drew the biggest cheer from the conference.
He was joined onstage by his wife Pauline to receive a standing ovation.
(KMcA/EF)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 August 2005
Labour to hold memorial for Robin Cook
The Labour Party are to organise a memorial event in remembrance of former Foreign Secretary Robin Cook who died last weekend. Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said that the memorial would give those who knew Mr Cook the opportunity to “remember and celebrate his work for the party and the country.
Labour to hold memorial for Robin Cook
The Labour Party are to organise a memorial event in remembrance of former Foreign Secretary Robin Cook who died last weekend. Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said that the memorial would give those who knew Mr Cook the opportunity to “remember and celebrate his work for the party and the country.
30 May 2006
Prescott faces increasing pressure to resign
Beleaguered Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is continuing to face increasing calls to resign. Mr Prescott, who is running the country this week while Prime Minister Tony Blair is on holiday, faced more controversy when photographs of him playing croquet at his country home on the day he took over from Mr Blair were published.
Prescott faces increasing pressure to resign
Beleaguered Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is continuing to face increasing calls to resign. Mr Prescott, who is running the country this week while Prime Minister Tony Blair is on holiday, faced more controversy when photographs of him playing croquet at his country home on the day he took over from Mr Blair were published.
09 May 2006
Prescott calls for end to leadership 'war'
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has called for supporters of Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown to stop their 'war' over the Labour party leadership. Mr Prescott, who made the comments in an interview with 'The Independent', said that an "orderly and smooth transition" was needed.
Prescott calls for end to leadership 'war'
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has called for supporters of Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown to stop their 'war' over the Labour party leadership. Mr Prescott, who made the comments in an interview with 'The Independent', said that an "orderly and smooth transition" was needed.
06 June 2003
Prescott puts diplomacy on the long finger
John Prescott, the man who nominally keeps his hand on the tiller of Great Britain plc when Tony Blair is out of the country, raised a hand – and two fingers – in salute of the press pack outside Downing Street yesterday.
Prescott puts diplomacy on the long finger
John Prescott, the man who nominally keeps his hand on the tiller of Great Britain plc when Tony Blair is out of the country, raised a hand – and two fingers – in salute of the press pack outside Downing Street yesterday.
26 April 2006
John Prescott admits to two-year affair
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has admitted to having a two-year affair with one of his secretaries. The 67-year-old confessed to the affair in an interview with the 'Daily Mirror'. According to the report, the affair between Mr Prescott and 43-year-old Tracey Temple began after the office Christmas party in 2002.
John Prescott admits to two-year affair
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has admitted to having a two-year affair with one of his secretaries. The 67-year-old confessed to the affair in an interview with the 'Daily Mirror'. According to the report, the affair between Mr Prescott and 43-year-old Tracey Temple began after the office Christmas party in 2002.