Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Alan Johnson: 'I'll fight next election'

Pa
Tuesday 25 January 2011 16:26 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

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.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in