Alan Johnson: 'I'll fight next election'

Alan Johnson today declared his intention to fight the next general election - insisting his resignation from the shadow cabinet did not mean an end to his political career.

The senior Labour figure - who quit as shadow chancellor last week amid claims his wife had an affair with his police bodyguard - said he would stand at the next general election.

And the Hull West and Hessle MP refused, in an interview with this local newspaper, to rule out a return to frontline politics once the furore in his private life has calmed down.

Close protection officer Pc Paul Rice, who guarded Mr Johnson when he was home secretary, is suspended while allegations of affairs with two women, including Laura Johnson, are investigated.

Mr Johnson told the Hull Daily Mail that although he felt unable to do his high-profile job at the same time as dealing with the issues in his private life, he was committed to being an MP.

"I will be standing again at the next election. I will put myself up for election and it is up to constituents whether or not they return me as their MP," he said.

Asked if he could yet return to a senior position, he added: "I am not going to say never but I am not thinking about that at the moment."

Mr Johnson declined to make any comment about his private life, saying he was going to "devote my time to my constituents and supporting my party".

"I never doubted for one minute that I would receive lots of help and support and understanding from people in Hull and I am proud of them," he said.