LABOUR election co-ordinator Alan Milburn has vowed to spend more time in Darlington, ruling 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.

Although recently billed as 'a future Prime Minister' by Vogue magazine, Mr Milburn said 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.

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

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

The Labour election supremo saw off the challenge of Conservative Anthony Frieze.

The turn out in Darlington was 60.34 per cent - down on 2001.