A SUNDAY newspaper has tipped Redditch MP Jacqui Smith to replace John Prescott as Deputy Prime Minister.

The Mail on Sunday's Black Dog political column said Ms Smith, who was made Chief Whip in last month's Cabinet reshuffle, had emerged as a "surprise female candidate."

It quoted a male minister who compared Ms Smith with Harriet Harman, Patricia Hewitt and Tessa Jowell, describing her as "young, fresh and bright as a button."

Ms Smith said: ''There is no vacancy and I have no comment to make.''