Tearful farewell for Prezzer

John Prescott brought the curtain down on his turbulent term as Deputy Prime Minister yesterday by announcing that he would step down next year at the same time as Tony Blair.

In an emotional performance that left some in tears, Mr Prescott warned his party to remain united during the coming leadership elections which some fear could reopen old wounds between the unions and the Labour modernisers.

Opinion was divided over his contribution. Tory frontbench spokesman Oliver Heald said: "Almost every project that Prescott has overseen as Deputy Prime Minister has been mired in controversy or failure." But his colleagues said he had kept Blair and Gordon Brown united when their relationship hit crisis point.

With his wife Pauline at his side, Prescott watched a video of his term in power, including his famous punch at the 2001 election, which brought the loudest cheer from the conference hall, showing that he had regained credit with his party again after recent scandals.

- INDEPENDENT