Peter Mandelson will stand as the Labour candidate for Hartlepool at the next general election, it was announced last night.

The confirmation by local constituency party officials came as the disgraced minister relaxed at his Hartlepool home after receiving their full backing.

Mr Mandelson was forced to resign as Northern Ireland Secretary on Wednesday after he misled Downing Street about an approach he made to the Home Office concerning a passport application by Indian billionaire businessman Srichand Hinduja.

Last night, Mr Mandelson attended a meeting of the constituency party at his home where he avoided waiting journalists and camera crews by sneaking through the back door.

Two armed police officers were standing guard at the front of the house.

Mr Mandelson's Constituency Labour Party president said the events had not damaged the MP's chances of re-election.

Keith Fisher said: "I firmly think he is the finest MP we have ever had."

Russell Hart, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council's Labour Group, said: "Peter still has our complete support."

Yesterday, the spotlight moved to Foreign Office minister Keith Vaz as Shadow Home Secretary Ann Widdecombe tabled a series of questions in the Commons. Mr Vaz refused to detail his dealings with the Hinduja brothers but said he would be happy for his correspondence to be published once an inquiry was complete.

Tony Blair, who has ordered an official investigation into the affair, said Mr Vaz had done nothing wrong.

In a further twist yesterday, it was reported that the Hindujas once held a champagne party in honour of Tory leader William Hague