Prescott to step down before next conference

MANCHESTER, England Sep 28 (Reuters) John Prescott said today he was delivering his last speech to a Labour party conference as Deputy Prime Minister, but did not specify a date for stepping down.

''This will be my last conference as deputy leader,'' Prescott said during a wide-ranging speech that included an apology for his extra-marital affair earlier this year with his secretary.

''I want to say 'sorry'. This party has given me everything ... now in the last year I have let myself down and I let you down, so conference, I just want to say 'sorry.''' Political commentators have said they expect Prescott to stand down when Prime Minister Tony Blair does so. Blair has said he will be gone before next year's conference but has yet to name his exact departure date.

Prescott said he would remain a committed Labour campaigner.

''I will not be leaving the political fight ... yes, I admit I will be swapping my government Jag for this bus pass to campaign for Labour,'' he said to cheers from the floor. While he received a standing ovation, he was joined on the podium by his wife Pauline, who has stood by him since his affair.

REUTERS SP KP1828