John Prescott, British former deputy prime minister, dies aged 86

John Prescott, the former deputy prime minister of Britain, has passed away at the age of 86, according to a statement from his family.

His family mentioned that he dedicated his life to helping others, advocating for social justice, and safeguarding the environment.

According to family members, the retired trade union activist and former merchant sailor, who had been battling Alzheimer’s, passed away "peacefully" in his care home while surrounded by loved ones.

Prescott played an important role in Tony Blair’s New Labour initiative, and many considered him a guardian of the party's longstanding principles amid a leadership that aimed to bring about modernization.

In 2010, he was granted a noble title and welcomed into the House of Lords as Lord Prescott of Kingston upon Hull, after dedicating 40 years of his life to serving as a Member of Parliament for the city.

In a statement issued following his passing, his wife, Pauline, along with their sons Johnathan and David, expressed that serving the people of Hull was “the most significant privilege” of his life.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the peaceful passing of our cherished husband, father, and grandfather, John Prescott, who left us yesterday at the age of 86," they expressed.

He accomplished this while being embraced by his family's affection and the sounds of Marian Montgomery's jazz music.

John dedicated his life to uplifting others, advocating for social justice, and safeguarding the environment. His journey took him from working as a waiter on cruise ships to becoming the longest-serving deputy prime minister in Britain.

John had a deep affection for his hometown of Hull, and serving its residents in parliament for four decades was the proudest achievement of his life.

We want to express our gratitude to the incredible NHS doctors and nurses who looked after him following his stroke in 2019, as well as the devoted team at the care home where he spent his final days after battling Alzheimer's.

"Instead of sending flowers, you may choose to make a donation to Alzheimer’s Research UK if you would like to."

Keir Starmer referred to Prescott as a “real giant of the Labour movement” and acknowledged him as one of the “main architects” of the previous Labour government.

Blair expressed that he was deeply saddened by Prescott's passing, calling his deputy “one of the most skilled individuals I have ever met in politics.”

He expressed, “Even though we were all aware that the end was coming and couldn’t be avoided, I’m heartbroken by John’s death. He was one of the most gifted individuals I’ve ever met in the political arena, extraordinarily dedicated and loyal, and certainly one of a kind.”

John didn’t fit the usual stereotypes at all. Although he came from a proud traditional working-class background, he instinctively grasped the dreams and ambitions of his peers and their drive to improve their lives.

He was open-minded and accepting, but he quickly became intolerant when the middle class dismissed the suffering of impoverished urban neighborhoods plagued by crime and drug problems. He could express himself in a very straightforward and often colorful manner, but beneath that rough exterior was a sharp mind that reflected both his deep concern for these issues and his thoughtful approach to them.

It's fair to say that the Labour party likely wouldn't have achieved three straight full terms without John. He had a strong influence and embodied a faction of the party that wasn't aligned with New Labour. However, he managed to do so without diminishing our effectiveness; instead, he helped expand and diversify our support base.

I turned to him frequently, especially during tough times and moments of crisis. There were also times, less acknowledged, when I sought his advice because I had more faith in his intuition than in my own.

Describing our relationship as a partnership doesn't really reflect what we had. It wasn't formal at all. We met often and had conversations freely. There were no strict protocols to follow. Our discussions could get intense, but once we had settled our differences, we always maintained a shared understanding.

Prescott stepped down from his position in the House of Lords in July this year due to health issues.

Official records indicate that he had only addressed the chamber once since suffering a stroke in 2019, and he hasn't cast a vote since February 2023.

During a parliamentary career that lasted over fifty years, Prescott held the position of deputy prime minister for a decade following Labour's overwhelming victory in the 1997 general election.

He could be quick to lose his temper and is known for an incident in 2001 when he struck a protester who threw an egg at him while he was campaigning in North Wales.

Throughout a significant portion of his tenure, he served as a negotiator in the frequently rocky dynamic between Tony Blair and his chancellor, Gordon Brown.

He was also responsible for overseeing environmental issues, transportation, and regional matters, which included playing a role in negotiating the international Kyoto Agreement on climate change.

Prescott was a devoted backer of Blair during his time in office, but later expressed criticism about certain aspects of New Labour's legacy, particularly condemning the UK's participation in the Iraq war.

He also ardently supported Jeremy Corbyn while he was the leader of the party, despite facing substantial criticism.

Born in Prestatyn, Wales, on May 31, 1938, and raised by a railway worker, Prescott left school at 15 to pursue a career as a trainee chef and later worked as a steward for Cunard Line before venturing into politics.

In a personal letter from 2007, Blair mentioned that his former deputy's responsibilities in resolving issues, managing colleagues, and addressing challenges were essential for accomplishing tasks effectively.

The ex-prime minister remarked, “The one-of-a-kind combination of charisma and toughness that Prescott displayed – which was always enhanced by the uncertainty of which aspect would come to the forefront – helped us navigate the decade, maintained the unity of the government, and, most importantly, made my time a lot of fun. I was fortunate to have you as my second-in-command.”