John Prescott dead aged 86: Former Deputy Prime Minister passes away after battle with Alzheimer's, his family say
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John Prescott has died at the age of 86, his family revealed today.
The former Labour MP and peer passed away to the sound of his favourite jazz music and surrounded with loved-ones at his care home after a long battle with illness.
Lord Prescott was Tony Blair's political bruiser and battering ram - the pugnacious bridge between New and old Labour who could down a pint in five seconds and was always up for a fight, including his most recent battles with a stroke and Alzheimer's.
The son of a railwayman and a servant from north Wales, Lord Prescott was a fine boxer as a boy after moving to Yorkshire - and his most famous moment was when he thumped a farmer who had egged him outside a Labour rally in Rhyl in 2001.
After the 'Prescott Punch' his boss Mr Blair had remarked that 'John is John' as footage of his deputy prime minister's left jab and the wrestling match that followed went around the world. Prescott, who avoided an assault charge, later joked he was 'connecting with the electorate' when he thwacked a member of the public.
Today the former prime minister was tearful as he said: 'I am devastated. There was no-one quite like him in British politics. Underneath what could be a fierce exterior, and a manner some undoubtedly found intimidating, beat a loving, kind and compassionate human heart'.
The former Labour deputy prime minister was nicknamed 'Two Jags' due to his long love affair with them while in high office, including one infamous trip where he drove 200 yards in one to attend an engagement to avoid his wife's hair being ruffled.
But he famously got rid of them in 2021, declaring: 'I am now Zero Jags. It is my own small contribution to cutting carbon emissions'.
For more than a decade, the ex-merchant seaman and cruise ship steward provided a crucial link with the party's working-class roots as Sir Tony's reforming drive led critics to accuse him of abandoning socialism altogether. He was also a go-between when Blair and Gordon Brown's relationship failed.
Alongside him throughout was his wife of more than 60 years, Pauline, who stood by him after an affair with a secretary 24 years his junior became public in 2006. He said later that he was struggling with the pressures of political life - and should have told her - and that their relationship improved when she accepted his apology for the betrayal.
The moment John Prescott punched Craig Evans in 2001 after he egged the Labour politician will go down in political history
Mr Prescott wrestling Craig Evans. Lord Prescott later quipped he was 'connecting with the electorate'
His family said he had 'spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment' as he worked under Sir Tony Blair (right)
Lord Prescott and his loyal wife Pauline on his 82nd birthday in 2020. She stood by him for more than 60 years
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott arrives at Downing Street in his ministerial Jaguar. He also had one for personal use, earning him the moniker 'Two Jags'
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott at the 1998 Brit awards after being soaked with water by Danbert Nobacon of Chumbawamba. Prescott speaks at the Labour Party Conference in Blackpool, October 1992
Former deputy Prime Minister John Prescott (pictured in 2012) has died at the age of 86, his family has said
Lord Prescott became used to the finer things in life, enjoying croquet on the lawn of his country house at a time when he was in charge of the country.
He had lived an extraordinary life.
The young man who went to sea after failing his 11-plus, later became a trade unionist and indispensable figure in Sir Tony Blair's New Labour project.
His family said he had 'spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment'.
Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair today recalled the moment John Prescott punched a protester who threw an egg at him in 2001.
Sir Tony told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he answered 'well, John is John' at a subsequent press conference.
He said: 'Someone smashed an egg on his head, and he turned up, and he turned around, and he punched the guy and laid him out.
'This caused a huge sort of fracas, obviously... We had to give a press conference in the election campaign the next day, and some people were saying, well, look, he's deputy prime minister - you know, you can't have a deputy prime minister thumping a voter.
'And then there were other people who said, yeah, but you know... he had this egg slammed in his head, and he turned around and whacked the guy, and a lot of people think, well, fair enough.
A long debate ensued, Sir Tony said, adding: 'Finally, at the press conference, when I was asked about that, I just said, well, John, is John. And so was that supposed to be an answer? I said, Yeah, that's an answer, that's as much as you can say.'
Lord Prescott was a key yet controversial figure of Sir Tony Blair's New Labour project, seen by many as custodian of the party's traditional values in the face of a modernising leadership.
He was ennobled in 2010 and introduced to the upper chamber as Baron Prescott of Kingston upon Hull having served for four decades as an MP for the city.
In a statement released after his death, his wife Pauline and sons Johnathan and David said that representing the people of Hull had been 'his greatest honour'.
Tributes are pouring in from across the political spectrum for Lord Prescott, with Sir Tony saying he is 'devastated' by the news.
And Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the political giant will be remembered for 'his conviction, courage, and strength of character.'
In a statement, Lord Prescott's family said: 'We are deeply saddened to inform you that our beloved husband, father and grandfather, John Prescott, passed away peacefully yesterday at the age of 86.'
'He did so surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery.
'John spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment, doing so from his time as a waiter on the cruise liners to becoming Britain's longest serving deputy prime minister.
'John dearly loved his home of Hull and representing its people in Parliament for 40 years was his greatest honour.
'We would like to thank the amazing NHS doctors and nurses who cared for him after his stroke in 2019 and the dedicated staff at the care home where he passed away after latterly living with Alzheimer's.
'In lieu of flowers and if you wish to do so, you can donate to Alzheimer's Research UK.
'As you can imagine, our family needs to process our grief so we respectfully request time and space to mourn in private. Thank you.'
Lord Prescott ceased to be a member of the upper House in July this year after facing health difficulties.
He had served as an MP from 1970 to 2010, and as Deputy Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007.
John Prescott's wife, Pauline (left) and sons confirmed the news on Thursday morning
John Prescott and Tony Blair appear at the Labour party conference in 1996
Then-Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott speaks at the Labour party conference in 2004
Prescott also strongly defended Jeremy Corbyn during his time as party leader in the face of fierce criticism
He had only spoken once in the chamber since suffering a stroke in 2019, official records show, and had not voted since February 2023.
Over a parliamentary career spanning more than half a century, Lord Prescott served for 10 years as deputy prime minister after Labour's 1997 general election landslide.
Paying tribute to Lord Prescott, former prime minister Gordon Brown said: 'Few achieve something akin to heroic status in their own lifetime, particularly when having to deal with the compromises of being in government, but John Prescott became - and will remain - a legend of the Labour Party: self-educated, passionate in his beliefs, courageous in the causes he adopted, and despite an outwardly deceptive image of uncompromising toughness, he was generous believing in the good in everyone - even the person he famously punched during a general election campaign of course in self-defence.
'He not only rose from waiter and cabin steward, through Oxford's Ruskin College, to the positions of deputy Labour leader and deputy prime minister, but often forgotten are his achievements: with Al Gore the moving force behind the first agreement on the environment at Kyoto, the pioneer of modern regional policy which paved the way for devolution and elected mayors, and the housing minister who repaired and improved 1.4 million homes.
'He was a titan. Between 1997 and 2007 helping John Smith and Tony Blair reform the Labour Party to make it electable, and then the former boxer was key to holding the ring and keeping things together during difficult times such as over Iraq.
'He and his wife Pauline were always a glamorous couple, she and their sons always devoted to supporting his work and our thoughts are with her and her sons and wider family.
'John Lennon said the the working class hero is a difficult thing to be, but I think John would be just fine with being remembered that way. He wanted the good things in life for everyone and not just himself. And he showed that Britain can be a country where if you work hard you can fill your potential.'
Lord Mandelson, one of the key figures during the transformation of the Labour Party under Tony Blair, said Lord Prescott was 'the cement that kept New Labour together'.
Paying tribute to the former deputy prime minister, Lord Mandelson said: 'John Prescott was one of the all time greats of the Labour Party.
'We owed so much to him - his determination, his courage, his loyalty.
'He was the cement that kept New Labour together, a massive force for good as well as a tremendous personality.'
For more than a decade, the ex-merchant seaman provided a crucial link with the party's working-class roots as Sir Tony's reforming drive led critics to accuse him of abandoning socialism altogether.
At times short-tempered, he once famously punched protester Craig Evans who threw an egg at him during an election campaign visit to Rhyl, North Wales in 2001.
And at the Brit awards in 1998 he was left soaked after he had a bucket of ice cold water thrown over him by Chumbawamba drummer Danbert Nobacon.
But during much of his time in office, he acted as a mediator in the often turbulent relationship between Sir Tony and chancellor Gordon Brown.
He also oversaw the environment, transport and the regions, a brief which included helping to negotiate the international Kyoto Protocol on climate change.
Lord Prescott was a loyal supporter of Sir Tony in office but subsequently critical of parts of New Labour's legacy, denouncing Britain's involvement in the Iraq War.
In a statement this morning, Sir Tony said he is 'devastated' to hear of Lord Prescott's passing, adding: 'I relied on him many times: when in difficulty, under attack; and less well known when I needed someone whose gut instinct I trusted better than my own.
'To say we were partners would never capture the nature of our relationship. The was nothing formal about it. We met and talked regularly. Rules of protocol were cast aside. Debates were had which could be fierce. But once concluded, the common line was kept.
Then-Deputy Prime Minister Prescott is pictured with then-Prince of Wales Charles in 1998
John Prescott poses with Angela Rayner in boxing gloves - after famously punching a protester in 2001
Lord Prescott saw red after the man threw an egg at him, ruining his suit during the election campaign
'The truth is for all the difficulties and the differences and the jokes about us both and our 'odd couple relationship', we had developed a genuine admiration, respect and affection for each other.
'Underneath what could be a fierce exterior, and a manner some undoubtedly found intimidating, beat a loving, kind and compassionate human heart. John was as good a friend as you could ever hope to have, with a deep sensitivity, even vulnerability.'
Current Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: 'I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of John Prescott.
'John was a true giant of the Labour movement. 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 Lbour government that transformed the lives of millions of people across the nation.
'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.
'Across the Labour Party and the union movement he will be remembered for his conviction, courage and strength of character.
'His passion, force of personality and pride in his working-class roots was key to his authenticity - an honesty that was recognised and respected across the political divide and across the nation.
'On behalf of the Labour Party, I send my condolences to Pauline and all his family, to the city of Hull which he served as MP for forty years, and to all those who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.'
Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott speaks in support of Jeremy Corbyn at a campaign event in 2017
Lord Prescott was Deputy Prime Minister for a decade, attending Cabinet and mediating between Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown
First Minister of Scotland John Swinney added: 'Very sorry to hear of the death of John Prescott. He devoted his political life to the Labour Party and to social justice. I extend my sympathy to John's wife Pauline and her family and to his Labour family who will mourn the loss of a unique man.'
Other politicians also paid tribute, with former MP and Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons Nigel Evans writing: 'RIP John Prescott - a giant in British politics for over 40 years- a true Socialist who rose through the ranks to become Deputy Prime Minister.
'He was gutsy - partisan with a punch - and the Labour Party was his DNA - an internationalist of huge ability and colour. A one off!'
Former US vice president Al Gore, who worked with John Prescott on the Kyoto Protocol climate change agreement in 1997, said he had 'never worked with anyone in politics - on my side of the pond or his - quite like John Prescott'.
Mr Gore said in a statement: 'He possessed an inherent ability to connect with people about the issues that mattered to them - a talent that others spend years studying and cultivating, but that was second nature to him.
'He fought like hell to negotiate the Kyoto Protocol and was an unwavering champion of climate action for decades to come. I'm forever grateful to John for that commitment to solving the climate crisis and will miss him as a dear friend.'
Karl Turner, the Labour MP for East Hull who succeeded Lord Prescott in Parliament, said his 'contribution to public life will never be forgotten'.
In a statement posted on X, Mr Turner said: 'John had an unwavering dedication to the people of Hull. Having known John for all of my life, I know first hand the impact that he had on many thousands of people across the city and the country.'
He added: 'John's legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of those he served and the city he loved.'
Maria Eagle, the Labour MP for Liverpool Garston, described Lord Prescott as a great Labour deputy leader after his death aged 86.
She recalled his work for the relatives of those who lost their lives in the sinking of the MV Derbyshire in 1980.
In a post on X, she wrote: 'I'll always remember what he did for the MV Derbyshire families, insisting on work that led to the vindication of their deceased relatives, who they felt had been blamed for the sinking.'
Prescott also strongly defended Jeremy Corbyn during his time as party leader in the face of fierce criticism.
And he previously posed for pictures with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, poking fun at his famous antics by wearing boxing gloves.
Born in Prestatyn in Wales on May 31, 1938 the son of a railwayman, Lord Prescott left school at the age of 15 to work as a trainee chef and then as a steward on the Cunard Line before entering politics.
As well as becoming an accomplished amateur boxer, he was also becoming active in the Labour Party and the National Union of Seamen.
He was one of the 'tight-knit group of politically motivated men' denounced by prime minister Harold Wilson for organising a seamen's strike in 1966.
Despite incurring the Labour leader's displeasure, he nevertheless secured the party's nomination for the safe seat of Hull East, which he won in the 1970 general election, having stood unsuccessfully in Southport four years earlier.
In office, he was rewarded with the new 'super ministry' covering the environment, transport and the regions as well as the title of deputy prime minister.
In that role he was credited with a number of successes, including helping to negotiate the international Kyoto Protocol on climate change and creating regional development councils as well as reforms to the transport system.
However, he was also involved in a series of clashes with the press who gave him the nickname 'two Jags' - a reference to his official 'work' Jaguar and his own - while urging the public to take fewer journeys by car.
Meanwhile his ambitious aim of developing an 'integrated transport policy', embracing all areas of his department's remit, proved a stretch too far and after the 2001 election it was broken up leaving him with oversight for the regions.
It was during the 2001 campaign that he had his infamous encounter with protester Craig Evans, who struck him with an egg, prompting Lord Prescott to retaliate with a straight left to the jaw.
The incident however did no damage to the party at the polls, while Lord Prescott joked that he had simply been obeying Sir Tony's orders.
'He told us to connect with the electorate, so I did,' he said.
During Labour's second term, Lord Prescott increasingly found himself drawn into the role of peacemaker between Sir Tony and Mr Brown, amid the chancellor's growing frustration at the unwillingness of his erstwhile friend to step aside.
After Labour was re-elected in 2005 with a reduced majority, those tensions became more pronounced.
Lord Prescott meanwhile suffered personal humiliation in April 2006 when the Daily Mirror disclosed that he had been conducting a two-year affair with one of his secretaries. His wife, Pauline, was said to have been devastated.
A poor showing in the local elections the same month saw him stripped of his departmental responsibilities - although he retained the title of deputy prime minister, along with his full cabinet salary and two grace-and-favour homes.
Further embarrassment followed when pictures emerged of him playing croquet on the lawns of his Dorneywood country house on a Thursday afternoon when he was supposed to be 'running the country'.
It prompted a contrite Lord Prescott to deliver an apology to Labour's annual party conference, telling delegates 'I let myself down, I let you down,' and that he would be standing down as deputy leader when Sir Tony resigned.
Following Sir Tony's departure from No 10 in May 2007, Lord Prescott announced he would not be standing again as an MP, and following the 2010 general election he was introduced to the Lords as Baron Prescott of Kingston upon Hull.
In a private letter in 2007, Sir Tony said his former deputy's role 'smoothing out problems, sorting out colleagues and trouble-shooting' had been an 'integral part of getting things done'.
The former prime minister said: 'The completely unique Prescott blend of charm and brutality - made always more effective by the unpredictability of which would be predominant - 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.'
