15 February 2002
Prescott has kept a low profile since the last election and is said to be frustrated by his role as Cabinet Office minister, a post that has acquired a reputation within Whitehall as a graveyard for political careers.
Prescott's three predecessors – David Clarke, Jack Cunningham and Mo Mowlam – all left the government after short spells in the job.
Last month, Prescott described press reports that he was not seeking reselection in his Hull East constituency, as 'unfounded and mischievous speculation'.
But some Whitehall sources insist he is likely to leave the government before the election, possibly as early as the summer.
PFfeb2002
