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Prescott: I Wore Cowboy Outfit But Didnt Break Rules

John Prescott admitted in an interview that he in fact wore the controversial cowboy outfit that was given to him by super casino bidder Philip Anschutz. The outfit included a white Stetson hat, leather boots and a belt with his initials on the silver buckle.

Prescott said he wore it during a horseback tour of the Colorado ranch of the casino tycoon. Prescott's troubles began following the incident becoming public.

Reports over the weekend claimed that Prescott was in breach of the ministerial code by not declaring the outfit to UK customs. This information seemed to contradict Sir Philip Mawer's report that the items were dispatched later.

A spokesman for Prescott said that no duty was payable for the reason that he has chosen not to keep the items.

"I've been 35 years in politics. I've never had any other job, I've never received a payment and in no way have I been unduly influenced," Prescott said. The deputy prime minister does not believe that wearing the outfit entailed a breach in any rules covering gifts or misconduct.

"The party has its means [for] making decisions about that. And I think that will come very shortly," Prescott answered in an interview when asked if he might resign to help the government. The statement caused quite a stir, as it seemed to suggest that Blair and he might be quitting "very shortly".