JACK STRAW was tipped to succeed John Reid today after the Home Secretary announced he was quitting Cabinet level politics.

Gordon Brown's ascent to the premiership looked more certain than ever after the announcement.

Mr Reid ruled out a leadership challenge and, in a surprise move, said he would resign from the Government this summer at the same time as Tony Blair.

His decision came as the Prime Minister and a string of leading Blairites backed the Chancellor to lead Labour into the next general election.

Mr Blair is preparing to announce his resignation this week - possibly Thursday - triggering a leadership contest.

Mr Reid said there was "no eagerness" in the Labour Party for a contest, adding he wanted to give space to the next Prime minister to add new faces to the Cabinet.

"I believe it is in all our interests, the incoming Prime Minister should have the widest opportunity to make a fresh start," he said in a letter to Mr Blair.

Mr Reid said he had spoken about his decision to the Chancellor, who had assured him he would have a job in a Brown government.