Former UK deputy PM John Prescott dies aged 86

John Prescott, the former British deputy prime minister who served under Tony Blair, has passed away at the age of 86 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease, his family confirmed on Thursday.

Known for his plain-speaking style and key role in Labour's rise to power in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Prescott died peacefully surrounded by his family in his care home.

Prescott, a former trade union leader and merchant seaman, was a central figure in Tony Blair's New Labour government from 1997 to 2007. He was celebrated for his working-class roots and for bridging the divide within the Labour Party between traditionalists and modernisers.

His leadership style earned him the nickname “Old School Bruiser,” and he was known for his blunt approach, which sometimes led to confrontations, including a famous incident in 2001 when he punched an egg-throwing protester during an election campaign.

In a statement, Prescott’s family described him as someone who spent his life fighting for social justice, environmental protection, and the improvement of others' lives. "John dearly loved his home of Hull and representing its people in parliament for 40 years was his greatest honour," his family said.

His political career began in 1970, and after decades of service, he was ennobled in 2010 as Lord Prescott of Kingston upon Hull.

Blair expressed his sorrow upon hearing the news of Prescott's passing, calling him "one of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics." He praised Prescott for his loyalty and intellect, noting that the Labour Party would never have won three consecutive terms in office without his contributions.

"John was the most unusual of politicians, with a mix of charm and brutality that kept us all together and made things happen," Blair said.

Prescott, who served as deputy prime minister for a decade, was also known for his work in mediating between Blair and Gordon Brown, as well as his environmental and transport responsibilities.

He helped negotiate the Kyoto Protocol on climate change and was instrumental in shaping key domestic policies.

Despite being a loyal supporter of Blair, Prescott was also a critic of certain aspects of New Labour's legacy, notably Britain’s involvement in the Iraq war.

A man of principle, Prescott later defended Labour’s left-wing views under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, even when the party faced fierce criticism.

His career was marked by his unflinching support for the working-class communities he represented and his commitment to social equality.

Born in Prestatyn, Wales, Prescott came from humble beginnings, with his father working as a railway signalman.

He left school at 15 to work as a chef and steward before entering politics.

His political rise was powered by his grassroots connections, and he became an iconic figure in British politics.

Prescott’s health declined in recent years, particularly after suffering a stroke in 2019. He had not spoken in the House of Lords since 2020 and had not voted since February 2023.

His death marks the end of a significant era in British politics, where he was a staunch advocate for the Labour Party's core values, balancing pragmatism with a commitment to the working class.

He is survived by his wife, Pauline, and their two sons, Johnathan and David. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Alzheimer’s Research UK, in honour of Prescott's battle with the disease.