Britain's deputy PM, political heavyweight embroiled in scandal

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2006

LONDON (AFP) — Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, a burly, gaffe-prone figure who last week sensationally admitted to having an affair with a secretary, is a political heavyweight in Britain's governing Labour Party.

Despite a election campaign -- Prescott is credited with helping to connect his party's tr short fuse -- famously displayed when he punched a protester during anaditional working-class past with its modernising present.

He is also seen as the man best positioned to oversee a smooth leadership transition between Prime Minister Tony Blair and his presumed successor, finance minister Gordon Brown, expected within four years.

Therefore, any decision by the 67-year-old to succumb to calls to quit in the wake of the sex scandal would be a body blow...