A regional daily gained an exclusive interview with former shadow chancellor Alan Johnson following his shock resignation last week.

The MP for Hull West and Hessle broke his silence with the Hull Daily Mail after stepping down from the role because of problems in his personal life.

He spoke to the Mail’s political correspondent Caroline Wheeler in his Westminster office on Monday and the story was the splash in the following day’s edition of the paper.

The interview was followed up by national media including the Daily Mirror, the Independent and Sky News.

Mr Johnson explained in the interview that he felt he had to quit as shadow chancellor because of personal problems – but he did not rule out a return to frontbench politics in future.

Caroline said: “He spoke to us because he was keen to emphasise to his constituents that he is still very much their MP and committed to doing the best for them.

“We have had a good working relationship with him for many years and I think that had a role to play in him speaking to us first.”

The interview was the only one Mr Johnson has given since standing down.