Full text: John Prescott statement

Mr Prescott has been plagued by damaging headlines

Here is the full text of John Prescott 's statement announcing his decision to give up his grace-and-favour home, Dorneywood.

Like other Cabinet ministers before me, I have used Dorneywood as a place to stay, to relax and to work.

But I am well aware that my use of it is now a subject of public controversy and criticism and a matter of concern amongst some MPs and the Labour Party.

Dorneywood is, in fact, owned by a charitable trust and there is no cost to the taxpayer in its use. I have accepted that my continued use of Dorneywood is getting in the way of doing my job in government.

I have told the prime minister that it is my personal decision that I no longer want to be the official resident. He has accepted this decision.

I will continue to focus on the role the prime minister has given me of co-ordinating policy work across government along with the other responsibilities that he has given me, nationally and internationally, so we can better deliver the manifesto on which we were elected a year ago.