John Prescott, a former merchant seaman and trade union activist, was instrumental in bridging the divide between Blair’s centrist policies and Labour’s left wing during his tenure as deputy prime minister from 1997 to 2007.
London, UK – John Prescott, Britain’s former deputy prime minister who served under Tony Blair and played a key role in transforming the Labour Party, has died at the age of 86, his family announced on Thursday.
In a statement, his family said, “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.” Prescott died peacefully in a care home, surrounded by his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery, his wife Pauline and two sons said.
Prescott, who represented Hull in northern England as a member of parliament for four decades, had been battling health issues, including a stroke in 2019 and Alzheimer’s. He stepped down from the House of Lords in July due to declining health.
Tributes to a “Labour Giant”
Tony Blair, who appointed Prescott as his deputy following Labour’s 1997 landslide victory, expressed devastation at the news. “There was no one quite like him in British politics,” Blair told the BBC, recalling Prescott’s pivotal role in mediating within the party and his steadfast commitment to working-class values.
Labour leader Keir Starmer also paid tribute, calling Prescott a “true giant of the Labour movement” and a key figure in shaping modern Britain. “He was a staunch defender of working people and a proud trade unionist,” Starmer said. “From leading climate negotiations to fighting regional inequality, his legacy will live on well beyond his lifetime.”
A Career of Public Service
Prescott, a former merchant seaman and trade union activist, was instrumental in bridging the divide between Blair’s centrist policies and Labour’s left wing during his tenure as deputy prime minister from 1997 to 2007. His portfolio included transport and the environment, and he led the UK’s negotiations for the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.
Known for his plain-speaking and working-class roots, Prescott earned public attention for his no-nonsense demeanor, famously punching a protester who threw an egg at him during a 2001 election campaign stop in Wales.
Blair, in a letter to Prescott in 2007, credited him with keeping the Labour government stable. “The completely unique Prescott blend of charm and brutality… 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,” Blair wrote.
Prescott’s career was marked by his deep commitment to Labour values and his efforts to address issues such as regional inequality and climate change. His contributions, Starmer noted, “set the path for those of us fortunate enough to follow.”
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