His love of Jaguars is renowned - and even earned him a cheeky nickname. But John "Two Jags' Prescott could find himself being chauffeured round in something decidedly more Continental as he aims to secure a prestigious new job in Europe.

The former Deputy PM will receive a Renault Vel Satis if he succeeds in becoming leader of the British delegation to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

The £35,000 vehicle will help compensate him for the loss of the Ministerial Jaguar XJ saloon he was forced to hand back when he quit the Cabinet last week. Mr Prescott, 69, has put his name forward for a position on the British delegation to the 47-nation assembly and is expected to be elected leader of the UK group by fellow MPs.

Mr Prescott's interest in the body has surprised colleagues, especially since the position carries no extra salary.

The leader of the UK delegation traditionally has access to a Renault during his visits to Strasbourg four times a year, as well as Luc, the English-speaking chauffeur, who has served generations of British politicians.

The Renault Vel Satis with its 3.5litre V6 engine and 147mph top speed is France's most luxurious saloon, but is not available in the UK after it failed to impress British motorists.

Delegates to the council, which receives an annual £20million subsidy from the UK Government, are also entitled to claim back business class travel to and from Strasbourg and £150 a day to cover accommodation and food.

Mr Prescott still keeps one of the two Jags that gave him his nickname as his personal car at his Hull constituency.