Prescott issues warning to leadership hopefuls
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has issued a no-nonsense warning to ministers eager to succeed Tony Blair, saying they must not damage Labour’s chances of winning a historic third term.
Those who do will feel the “wrath” of the party, Mr Prescott told BBC One’s Breakfast with Frost.
His comments come amid speculation that Mr Blair is facing growing opposition from elements within the Labour Party over his plan to serve a full third term as Prime Minister.
Mr Prescott argued: “The reaction in the party is that they are pleased now that basically there is a timetable and that is that Tony is going to fight the election.”
“The party are glad we have a clear position and eventually the procedures in the party will elect a new leader”, he said.
However, Mr Prescott warned those habouring leadership aspirations against rocking the boat before an election.
“The party, I think, will feel very strongly about candidates who threaten our general election and the EU referendum constitution.”
Mr Prescott added: “The full wrath of the party will be visited on those who decide to threaten that and feed any speculation about early selections.”
The Deputy Prime Minister urged ministers to keep their “eye on the ball” in order to convince voters in favour of “electing another Labour government under the leadership of Tony Blair”.
Asked whether he would consider running for the leadership himself, Mr Prescott said he had always made clear: “no way, no way”.
“Everyone’s action should be judge against the interest of winning the next election and keeping our party united, what is absolutely clear is the electorate do not like parties that are disunited, fighting amongst themselves”, he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister called on the party to keep a “firm” position, cautioning against infighting such as the “Tories are finding it now with UKIP”.
Mr Prescott concluded assuring that the Prime Minister is in “good health” and that he is “ready to get on with the job”.
