LABOUR election co-ordinator Alan Milburn vowed to spend more time in Darlington - as he ruled out a return to front line politics.

The former health secretary made the promise as he swept to a fourth victory in the town's constituency.

Flanked by his partner, Ruth Briel, and two sons, Joe and Danny, at the Dolphin Centre, Mr Milburn said he "just wanted to sleep" after spearheading the four-week election battle, which was often overshadowed by the Iraq war.

Although he was recently billed as "a future Prime Minister" by Vogue magazine, Mr Milburn told The Northern Echo he had no interest in returning to the Cabinet, or taking part in any leadership battle which might ensue if Tony Blair was to step down.

He said: "This means that I will be able to focus more time on representing the people of Darlington.

"We need to keep moving forward. We have five new schools either built or being built, and a new college on the way.

"We have to build on those achievements and really make sure Darlington is a hub for business and job prospects.

"The biggest things in the North-East are jobs, employment, living standards and getting more young families on the property ladder."

Mr Milburn was persuaded to lead the election campaign after a personal plea from the Prime Minister.

In 2003, he quit as health minister, saying he couldn't balance the cabinet post with a happy home life, and wanted to spend more time with his sons.

Yesterday, Mr Milburn reiterated this decision.

Despite Labour suffering a reduced majority nationally, Mr Milburn was resolute that the election campaign had been a success.

He said: "The campaign went pretty much as we planned it.

"In 1992, if somebody had said we would win three General Elections in a row, I would have been delighted."

He added: "It is a tremendous achievement for Tony Blair to have led his party to victory.

"Iraq was an issue, but in the end most people, when they voted, voted on bread and butter issues."