Simple, really

A lot of people are scratching their heads as to why John Prescott has been retained as Deputy PM, with all the trappings of office, while having been stripped of his department and portfolio.

The reason is simple.

If Prescott was sacked as DPM, under Labour rules, there would have to be an election for the job. And right now, Tony knows the Party will not pick any of his favourite people for the job. They will inflict on him someone who will make his life a lefty living hell. Imagine a Deputy Prime Minister Jackson. Or DPM Skinner....

UK Democratic Forum updated, with a related topic.