RMT may halt Prescott flat sale

John Prescott could lose the chance to buy the flat he has rented at cut-price for 30 years from the RMT union.

He faces fierce opposition to the sale from members of his own union who are infuriated over what they see as the failure of the deputy prime minister to back their campaign against privatisation of the Tube and rail industry.

Mr Prescott has been paying rent of £220 a month on the two-bedroom Clapham flat which estate agents say would be more than £1,600 on the open market.

At one stage it was reported the RMT had accepted an offer of £250,000 from Mr Prescott. The rail union is examining all financial matters as part of a general review, which is expected to include the question of Mr Prescott's flat.

The union today refused to discuss the property sale, saying it is a private and internal matter between the RMT and the deputy prime minister.

Mr Prescott was investigated two years ago by the Parliamentary watchdog for not declaring the rental agreement.