Prescott in new sleaze storm

05 July 2006

As reported by: Daily Express
TROUBLED John Prescott was engulfed by fresh claims over sleaze last night.

They centred on new allegations about his private life and links to the gambling industry.

To Labour's acute embarrassment, the Parliamentary standards watchdog confirmed it had launched an inquiry into his controversial visit to the ranch of an American casino tycoon.

At the same time, Mr Prescott was forced to angrily deny lurid allegations published on internet websites of extra-marital affairs with a Labour MP and a civil servant.

Internet diaries or "blogs" linked to Tory supporters alleged that Mr Prescott - his reputation already tarnished by revelations of a two-year affair with diary secretary Tracey Temple - had enjoyed "fumblings" with the MP and a relationship with another diary secretary who went on to become a diplomat.

With MPs at Westminster speculating on the identity of the women, the Deputy Prime Minister's spokeswoman issued a swift statement saying: "There is absolutely no truth in these claims."

But there was little doubt that the fresh controversy has raised serious questions over Mr Prescott's future.

He was already under mounting pressure about overseas visits connected to gambling and how much of the costs were funded by the taxpayer.

But, after probing by the Conservatives, Mr Prescott yesterday disclosed that he had had seven meetings with Philip Anschutz, the billionaire bidding to turn the Millennium Dome into a super-casino, despite claiming to have no involvement in Government gambling policy.
Article By: Daily Express

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