BBC News Online: UK Politics

'I was not forced out' - Mowlam

Ms Mowlam, who is one of the most popular members of the government, said she had no doubts over her decision and insisted she had not been forced into making it.

Spelling out her reasons for leaving, she sought to scotch what she said were the "amazing" headlines which suggested she was quitting frontline politics after failing to land a key cabinet post in a major spending department.

The MP for Redcar said: "I thought about it long and hard.

"I really wanted to do something different in my life before I retire, I've hit fifty.

Turning to the future, she suggested she may follow up her work as Northern Ireland secretary by becoming involved in conflict resolution, or working to stop drug abuse or help those with disabilities.

No book on the go

On the question of whether her memoirs are about to hit the bookstands, she said that no book would be written while she remains in office.

"I am doing a book on the two years of the peace process. That is what I am committed to doing and that's what I am interested in doing."

Touching on the persistent media speculation over whether members of the government had briefed against her she said: "I am not interested in the who said what, where how and when."

Unauthorised biography

Ms Mowlam also took the opportunity to correct media reports that the forthcoming biography of her by Julia Langdon was authorised.

The book is expected to say that the current Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson had briefed the press against Ms Mowlam.

She said: "I read it but I had no control over what she said."

Ms Mowlam also laid to rest the idea that her health was to blame for the decision, but she did say her diagnosis with a brain tumour a couple of years ago had changed her outlook.

"It has made me think more seriously about life when question whether you are going to make it through."

But she added: "I still enjoy life. I still believe you have only got one life and you should have fun."