Some readers may be puzzled about exactly what the Deputy Prime Minister will be doing in the Government following the general election. Following the announcement by the Prime Minister on 10 July in a written answer to the House of Commons giving the full list of Cabinet Committees, their membership and terms of reference, the Cabinet Office issued a press release in which John Prescott explained the structure and responsibilities for The Office of Deputy Prime Minister and the Cabinet Office. He wrote:

"I head a new Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in the Cabinet Office. I am supported by a Minister of State, Barbara Roche, and by a Parliamentary Secretary, Christopher Leslie and by Lord Macdonald of Tradeston, CBE and Baroness Morgan of Huyton for business in the House of Lords. As First Secretary of State I will continue to deputise for the Prime Minister as required, drawing on the resources of other parts of the Cabinet Office as necessary."

"I will oversee the work of the Social Exclusion Unit, which reports to the Prime Minister through me. I am also responsible for the Regional Co-ordination Unit and the nine Government Offices of the Regions."

"On international matters I will support the Prime Minister by seeing visiting dignitaries; undertaking overseas visits; and overseeing the work of the International Public Service Unit. I also carry Ministerial responsibility for the British Irish Council and will deputise as necessary for the Prime Minister at meetings of the Council. I will continue to play a role in international climate change discussions and negotiations on behalf of the Prime Minister."

"In addition, I will chair new Cabinet Committees on Domestic Affairs and on Nations and the Regions; and new sub Committees on Social Exclusion and Regeneration and on Energy Policy. will continue to chair the Committee on the Environment."

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