MONTHS of speculation over Mo Mowlam's political future could be about to come to an end.

The Redcar MP's agent said that although he had not seen the minister for about a month, he expected her to make her intentions clear "in the next couple of weeks".

She was due to return from a two-week break in Portugal yesterday, with husband Jon Norton, where it is thought she has devoted some time to considering her future.

Her agent of five years, Keith Legg, said she had raised the issue of retiring from her Teesside constituency before the summer recess.

He said: "The last time she was at a general management committee meeting in the constituency was in May.

"Mo said at that meeting she was considering her position over the summer months.

"It was in response to a question about the speculation over whether she intended to still be our candidate."

Meanwhile Dr Mowlam remains the official candidate for the rock-solid Labour seat after re-selection 12 months ago.

However, speculation has been rife over recent months about her stepping down from Parliament.

Mr Legg said: "I don't know what she has decided, but I expect her to say something in the next couple of weeks.

"Whatever she decides to do is her decision. If she stays on or if she decides to go then I will be happy.

"She's been a very good constituency MP, and the people of Redcar wish her well.