John Prescott, Britain’s former deputy prime minister under Tony Blair, has died at the age of 86, his family confirmed on Thursday.
Prescott, who played a key role in reshaping the Labour Party alongside Blair, passed away on Wednesday, surrounded by his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery.
A statement from his family read, “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 the position of deputy prime minister to help move Labour towards the centre, expressed his sorrow at the news, calling Prescott “irreplaceable” in British politics. “There was no one quite like him in British politics,” Blair said in an interview with BBC radio.
Keir Starmer, Labour’s current leader and the first Labour prime minister since 2010, also paid tribute to Prescott, calling him “a true giant of the Labour movement.” Starmer praised Prescott’s dedication to working people and his legacy in transforming the lives of millions during his tenure as deputy prime minister. “He was a staunch defender of working people and a proud trade unionist. During a decade as deputy prime minister, he was one of the key architects of a Labour government that transformed the lives of millions of people across the nation,” Starmer said. “So much of John’s work set the path for those of us fortunate enough to follow. From leading climate negotiations to fighting regional inequality, his legacy will live on well beyond his lifetime.”
Prescott, who had been a merchant seaman and a trade union activist before entering politics, served as a member of parliament for Hull for four decades. He died peacefully at a care home, his wife Pauline and their two sons confirmed.
“He did so surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery,” they added.
Prescott, who was appointed to the House of Lords after stepping down as deputy prime minister, had suffered a stroke in 2019 and had been battling Alzheimer’s disease. He retired from the upper chamber of parliament in July due to his health issues.
Known for his straightforward approach, Prescott served as deputy prime minister for 10 years after Labour’s landslide victory in the 1997 general election. He famously punched a protester who threw an egg at him during a campaign stop in north Wales.
However, he was also a key figure in mediating between Blair and his finance minister Gordon Brown, who had his own ambitions for power.
Prescott’s responsibilities included the environment and transport, and he was instrumental in leading Britain’s negotiations on the international Kyoto Protocol on climate change. Reflecting on his role, Blair wrote to Prescott in 2007, describing him as a crucial figure who helped maintain unity within the government.
“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.
