Prescott threatens to block Ken comeback

John Prescott today seized command of final negotiations to bring Ken Livingstone back into the Labour fold - and warned he could block the deal.

The Deputy Prime Minister made clear his fury at the moves to readmit the Mayor, demanding clear loyalty pledges from him and warning it was "not a done deal".

Allies said he would be calling on Mr Livingstone to give cast-iron commitments to support Labour's manifestos for both London and general elections and to desist from criticising the Government.

Mr Prescott was visibly angry after Tony Blair overrode his objections yesterday to start a process which should lead to Mr Livingstone standing as Labour's official mayoral candidate next June.

Emerging from a heated twohour discussion at the party's

National Executive Committee, Mr Prescott looked furious and muttered "f***ing press" at waiting journalists.

During the talks he mounted a blistering attack on Mr Livingstone's record and integrity, telling the NEC: "I wouldn't trust him as far as I could bloody throw him."

Although Mr Prescott joined Mr Blair by voting in favour of the readmission process, allies say he felt "bounced" into going along with the Prime Minister. Yesterday's 25-to-two vote came after weeks of muddle, secrecy and talks confined to a handful of senior figures.

It climaxed with an orchestrated series of moves, including the formal resignation of Nicky Gavron as Labour's mayoral candidate. She said she was standing aside "in the interests of Londoners" and would campaign as Mr Livingstone's deputy instead.

Talks will now be held between Mr Livingstone and a five-strong panel of party officials. The NEC agreed to let Mr Prescott attend the negotiations, although he will not have a vote. The process will take about a month.