British Dy PM admits two-year affair with secretary

Britain's Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott today admitted having a two-year-affair with one of his secretaries.

Britain's Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott on Wednesday admitted having a two-year-affair with one of his secretaries.

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Sixty seven-year-old Prescott and Tracey Temple, 43, started meeting in secret at his Government-owned flat after their fling began at an office party.

"I did have a relationship with her which I regret. It ended some time ago. I have discussed this fully with my wife Pauline who is devastated by the news," Prescott told the Daily Mirror.

"I would be grateful if Pauline and I can now get on with our lives together," he said.

Downing Street refused to comment on the revelations this morning, with a spokesman terming it a "private matter."

Father of two, Prescott, who has been married for more than 44 years, began working with Temple when she was appointed as his assistant private secretary, with special responsibility for organising his diary.

She had previously worked as diary secretary for former Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam and was said to be close friends with the Labour MP, who died last year.

The divorcee lives in Bordon, Hampshire, with lorry driver Barrie Williams, 46.

"I feel sick. I can't believe the woman I wanted to marry has slept with John Prescott. I have been betrayed by one of the most powerful men in the UK," Williams said.