BLACKBURN MP, Jack Straw, has said he will comment in due course' on whether he will stand for the deputy leadership of the Labour Party when the current incumbent, John Prescott, stands down.

Mr Prescott told delegates at the Labour Party conference in Manchester that he will step down as second in command when Prime Minister Tony Blair resigns next year.

In his last speech to the conference Mr Prescott apologised to his party for the controversy that had followed him after his affair with a secretary, and hospitality from a US tycoon was revealed.

He told the conference "I know in the last year I let myself down, I let you down.

"So conference, I just want to say sorry."

Last night Mr Straw told the Lancashire Telegraph: "I am not going to make an announcement.

"I certainly would not do it today, this is John Prescott's day.

"I will make an announcement in due course, there's still no timetable. "