John Prescott, the former Labour deputy prime minister, has passed away at the age of 86 after battling Alzheimer’s, as confirmed by his family. He represented Kingston upon Hull East for 40 years and was a prominent figure in New Labour under Tony Blair. His family described him as a man who dedicated his life to fighting for social justice and environmental protection. He passed away peacefully in his care home surrounded by loved ones on 20th November.
John Prescott’s wife, Pauline, and sons, Johnathan and David, expressed their deep sadness at his passing. They highlighted his commitment to improving the lives of others and his love for Hull, where he served as an MP for four decades. They thanked the NHS staff and care home workers who cared for him during his illness and suggested donations to Alzheimer’s Research UK in his memory.
As the longest-serving deputy prime minister in British history, John Prescott’s death has reverberated throughout British politics. He brought a unique working-class perspective to the Labour movement, which was a stark contrast to Tony Blair’s background. Despite his sometimes controversial actions, such as the famous “punch” incident, Prescott’s authenticity and dedication to the Labour Party were unparalleled.
Tony Blair paid tribute to Prescott, calling him one of the most talented individuals he had encountered in politics. He credited Prescott’s understanding of working-class aspirations for Labour’s electoral success and acknowledged his role in the party’s achievements during his tenure. Blair praised Prescott’s compassion and friendship, highlighting his profound impact on the Labour Party.
Prescott’s involvement in international initiatives like the Kyoto Protocol and his mediator role between Blair and Gordon Brown showcased his political acumen and dedication to global issues. Former US Vice President Al Gore commended Prescott’s ability to connect with people on critical topics effortlessly. Keir Starmer, the current Prime Minister, expressed deep sadness at Prescott’s passing, recognizing his significant contributions to politics.
Despite his health challenges in later years, Prescott remained a steadfast advocate for the Labour Party’s values. He was critical of certain aspects of New Labour’s legacy, including the Iraq War, and stood by leaders like Jeremy Corbyn during times of controversy. His ennoblement in 2010 marked a culmination of his political career, which began as a trainee chef and culminated in decades of service as a prominent political figure.
John Prescott’s passing marks the end of an era in British politics, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to social justice, environmental protection, and working-class representation. His contributions will be remembered for generations to come, as a testament to his profound impact on the Labour movement and British society.
