BREAKING NEWSJohn Prescott dead aged 86: Former Deputy Prime Minister passes away after battle with Alzheimers, his family say
Former deputy prime minister John Prescott has died aged 86 following a battle with Alzheimers, his family has announced.
Former deputy prime minister John Prescott has died aged 86 following a battle with Alzheimers, his family has announced.
The former trade union activist and ex-merchant seaman died peacefully and surrounded by relatives at his care home on Wednesday.
His family said he had spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment.
Lord Prescott was a key figure of Sir Tony Blairs New Labour project, seen by many as custodian of the partys traditional values in the face of a modernising leadership.
He was ennobled in 2010 and introduced to the upper chamber as Baron Prescott of Kingston upon Hull having served for four decades as an MP for the city.
In a statement released after his death, his wife Pauline and sons Johnathan and David said that representing the people of Hull had been his greatest honour.
Tributes are pouring in from across the political spectrum for Lord Prescott, with Sir Tony saying he is devastated by the news.
In a statement, Lord Prescotts family said: We are deeply saddened to inform you that our beloved husband, father and grandfather, John Prescott, passed away peacefully yesterday at the age of 86, they said.
In a statement, We are deeply saddened to inform you that our beloved husband, father and grandfather, John Prescott, passed away peacefully yesterday at the age of 86, they said.
Former deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has died at the age of 86, his family has said
His family said he had spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment
He did so surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery.
John spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment, doing so from his time as a waiter on the cruise liners to becoming Britains longest serving deputy prime minister.
John dearly loved his home of Hull and representing its people in Parliament for 40 years was his greatest honour.
We would like to thank the amazing NHS doctors and nurses who cared for him after his stroke in 2019 and the dedicated staff at the care home where he passed away after latterly living with Alzheimers.
In lieu of flowers and if you wish to do so, you can donate to Alzheimers Research UK.
As you can imagine, our family needs to process our grief so we respectfully request time and space to mourn in private. Thank you.
Lord Prescott ceased to be a member of the upper House in July this year after facing health difficulties.
He had served as an MP from 1970 to 2010, and as Deputy Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007.
He had only spoken once in the chamber since suffering a stroke in 2019, official records show, and had not voted since February 2023.
Over a parliamentary career spanning more than half a century, Lord Prescott served for 10 years as deputy prime minister after Labours 1997 general election landslide.
At times short-tempered, he once famously punched a protester who threw an egg at him during an election campaign visit to North Wales in 2001.
John Prescotts wife, Pauline (left) and sons confirmed the news on Thursday morning
John Prescott and Tony Blair appear at the Labour party conference in 1996
Mr Prescott once famously punched a protester who threw an egg at him in 2001
Then-Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott speaks at the Labour party conference in 2004
Prescott also strongly defended Jeremy Corbyn during his time as party leader in the face of fierce criticism
But during much of his time in office, he acted as a mediator in the often turbulent relationship between Sir Tony and chancellor Gordon Brown.
He also oversaw the environment, transport and the regions, a brief which included helping to negotiate the international Kyoto Protocol on climate change.
Lord Prescott was a loyal supporter of Sir Tony in office but subsequently critical of parts of New Labours legacy, denouncing Britains involvement in the Iraq War.
In a statement this morning, Sir Tony said he is devastated to hear of Lord Prescotts passing, adding: I relied on him many times: when in difficulty, under attack; and less well known when I needed someone whose gut instinct I trusted better than my own.
To say we were partners would never capture the nature of our relationship. The was nothing formal about it. We met and talked regularly. Rules of protocol were cast aside. Debates were had which could be fierce. But once concluded, the common line was kept.
The truth is for all the difficulties and the differences and the jokes about us both and our ‘odd couple relationship’, we had developed a genuine admiration, respect and affection for each other.
Underneath what could be a fierce exterior, and a manner some undoubtedly found intimidating, beat a loving, kind and compassionate human heart. John was as good a friend as you could ever hope to have, with a deep sensitivity, even vulnerability.
Prescott also strongly defended Jeremy Corbyn during his time as party leader in the face of fierce criticism.
And he previously posed for pictures with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, poking fun at his famous antics by wearing boxing gloves.
Born in Prestatyn in Wales on May 31 1938 the son of a railwayman, Lord Prescott left school at the age of 15 to work as a trainee chef and then as a steward on the Cunard Line before entering politics.
In a private letter in 2007, Sir Tony said his former deputys role smoothing out problems, sorting out colleagues and trouble-shooting had been an integral part of getting things done.
The former prime minister said: The completely unique Prescott blend of charm and brutality - made always more effective by the unpredictability of which would be predominant - got you through the decade, kept the government together and above all, gave me a lot of fun. I was lucky to have you as my deputy.
