rational geekery

News breaking this morning that the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, 67, had a two-year affair with one of his secretaries is sure to both animate sketch-writers, and cause yet more embarrassment to a struggling administration.

Of course questions must be raised over the judgement of civil servant Tracey Temple, 43, who entered into a sexual relationship with the hulking Prescott. Bizzarre.

From the Daily Mirror:

The two-year affair took place during repeated meetings at Mr Prescott's grace-and-favour flat in Whitehall.

But Tracey's fellow civil servants say there was an obvious spark of attraction between her and Mr Prescott from the moment she was appointed as his Assistant Private Secretary, Diary Manager.

He was soon regularly complimenting the attractive blonde divorcee on her clothes and even sharing saucy jokes with her in front of other Cabinet ministers.

Once he teased her about her bright red leather trousers in front of Minister for Sport Richard Caborn.

Mr Prescott was also spotted springing out in front of her while pulling a funny face to make her laugh.

His other staff began noticing he was making trips into to his department - seemingly just to chat with Tracey. The level of flirting between the pair began to rise, much to the surprise of other civil servants in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

The flirting and suggestive remarks were transformed into a full-blown affair at the office Christmas party in 2002.

Tracey looked stunning in a revealing low-cut black cocktail dress which buttoned up at the back.

As soon as Mr Prescott arrived he jokingly lifted her skirt to see if she was wearing stockings.

The couple danced together almost all night and after many drinks allegedly confessed their sexual attraction.

After the party, some of the staff were invited back to Prescott's flat.

Tracey was eventually given a lift back to her hotel by a driver at 3.30am.

The next day Mr Prescott hosted drinks in his office for ministers, dignitaries and senior policemen. He and Tracey lay on the office settee cuddling each other.

Expect the usual righteousness from politicians about family privacy. Let’s get one thing straight, if you’re a politician, you can’t enjoy extra-marital affairs and expect to get away with it. Capiche?