Prescott stripped of ministerial duties

John Prescott has lost control of his department in today's cabinet reshuffle, remaining in his elected role as Deputy Prime Minister and deputy leader of the Labour Party but no longer running the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).

In his role at the helm of the ODPM, Prescott was responsible for nationwide planning and regeneration policies. It is expected that the ODPM's duties will be split up, but who will take over responsibility for planning has not been confirmed.

Prescott has proved unpopular with retailers over the past year. Planning restrictions for out-of-town developments have remained tight and it was announced last month that retailers will now require planning permission to build mezzanine floors in stores.

Prime Minister Tony Blair's decision to relieve Prescott of his ministerial duties follows recent revelations in the press over the Deputy PM's affair with his diary secretary.