Deputy PM Prescott has diabetes

John Prescott has told close friends he is suffering from diabetes but has no intention of giving up his political career because of the illness.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that since starting treatment he has never felt better. The illness was diagnosed in a routine check up before the last election. He has even joked to friends that his famous irritability may have been one side-effect of the illness, which has gone undetected for some time.

In recent months, Mr Prescott has lost a stone in weight by cutting out his penchant for nibbling snacks. Doctors have told him to eat more regular, balanced meals.

He was planning to keep the illness secret for the time being until it was disclosed last night. Few ministerial colleagues knew about his illness. Mr Prescott is preparing to launch a campaign later this year for other sufferers of diabetes.