John Prescott, the former deputy prime minister who played a key role in reshaping Britain’s Labour Party alongside Tony Blair, has passed away at the age of 86, his family announced on Thursday.
A statement from his loved ones shared the sad news: “We are deeply saddened to inform you that our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, John Prescott, passed away yesterday (Wednesday) at the age of 86.”
Blair, who appointed Prescott to his deputy role and worked closely with him as they moved the Labour Party to the center-left, expressed his devastation at the loss. Speaking to BBC Radio, Blair described Prescott as “irreplaceable” in British politics. “There was no one quite like him,” Blair said, reflecting on their long partnership.
Keir Starmer, the current leader of the Labour Party, also paid tribute, calling Prescott “a true giant of the Labour movement.” He praised Prescott for his steadfast defense of working-class people and his pride as a trade unionist. “He was one of the key architects of a Labour government that transformed the lives of millions,” Starmer said. “From climate negotiations to fighting regional inequality, John’s legacy will live on well beyond his lifetime.”
Prescott, born in the northern port city of Hull, had a long and diverse career. Before entering politics, he was a merchant seaman and a dedicated trade union activist. He served as an MP for Hull for four decades and became known for his plain-speaking, no-nonsense style.
In 1997, Prescott was appointed deputy prime minister in the aftermath of Labour’s landslide general election win. He served alongside Tony Blair for ten years, often mediating between Blair and his chancellor, Gordon Brown. Prescott’s political reach extended to the environment, transport, and climate change. He led the UK’s negotiations for the international Kyoto Protocol on climate change.
Known for his fiery temper, Prescott famously punched a protester who threw an egg at him during a campaign stop in 2001. However, his political legacy was marked by his role in the modernization of the Labour Party and his focus on social and environmental issues.
In recent years, Prescott struggled with health issues. He suffered a stroke in 2019 and had been battling Alzheimer’s disease. His family shared that he passed away peacefully in a care home, surrounded by loved ones, and to the music of jazz singer Marian Montgomery.
Prescott was appointed to the House of Lords after stepping down from front-line politics but ceased to be an active member in July due to his deteriorating health. Despite his health challenges, Prescott’s influence on British politics remains significant, and his legacy continues to resonate within the Labour Party.
