John Prescott has told reporters that he could "never know" whether the prime minister was planning to lead the Labour Party at the next election.

Speaking at a Labour press conference yesterday to attack Conservative public spending plans, the deputy prime minister was asked if there was "any doubt" in his mind that Blair would lead Labour at the general election.

He responded: "Of course there's no doubt in my mind — I'm not Tony’s mind, he has to make the decision.

"But there is no doubt if Tony Blair is leading us, as I believe he will, we will win the election. We believe that our party supports him, the public support him and he's been the most successful prime minister this country's had for many a year."