Former Labour deputy prime minister passes away at 86
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John Prescott, a towering figure in British politics known for his combative style and dedication to the Labour Party, has passed away at the age of 86 after a valiant struggle with Alzheimer's disease.
His family announced his death, leaving a legacy that has significantly shaped the political landscape of the United Kingdom.
Prescott had his journey from the working-class roots of a seaside house in Wales to the heights of political power as the deputy prime minister under Tony Blair from 1997 to 2007.
Born on 31 May 1938 to a railway signalman father and a maid mother, Prescott's early life was far from the corridors of power he would later walk.
At 17, he worked as a steward on a luxury cruise ship, where he honed his boxing skills in bouts organised for passenger entertainment.
His political career began after he came ashore and attended Oxford’s Ruskin College, which offered courses for mature students.
Prescott entered parliament in 1970, and over the years, he became an indispensable figure in the Labour Party, contributing to its historic three-election victories from 1997 to 2007.
His role was not just as a lawmaker but as a mediator in the often tense relationship between Blair and his future successor, Gordon Brown.
Prescott's tenure was not without controversy.
His forthright manner and physical altercation with a member of the public during an election campaign in 2001, after being hit with an egg, earned him the reputation of a political 'bruiser’.
He was also known as 'Two Jags' for his use of ministerial cars, and his oratory skills were often the subject of media ridicule.
Moreover, his personal life came under scrutiny after he acknowledged an extramarital affair with his diary secretary in 2006.
Despite these challenges, Prescott's contributions to the Labour Party and the country were significant.
Tony Blair and Gordon Brown both recognised his talents and his crucial role in maintaining unity and direction within the party during their time in government.
Blair described him as one of the most talented people he had encountered in politics, vital in keeping the 'whole show together’.
‘There was no one quite like him in British politics,’ Blair said.
‘I don’t think, to be honest, I’d ever met anyone quite like John, and I still don’t think I’ve ever met anyone quite like him, and I’m very sad that he’s passed.’
‘I was just thinking this morning about the time ... when someone smashed an egg on his head, and he turned around, and he punched the bloke and laid him out...There were no rules that he really abided by.’
‘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,’ Brown said.
Beyond his political battles, Prescott was a passionate advocate for social justice and environmental protection.
His work on negotiating the Kyoto Protocol on climate change was hailed by former US Vice President Al Gore, who recognised Prescott's unique and impactful presence in politics.
‘I’ve never worked with anyone in politics - on my side of the pond or his—quite like John Prescott,’ Gore said.
Prescott himself considered this achievement as one of his greatest.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Pauline, and two sons, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and challenge those who follow in his footsteps.
His family said he had died ‘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,’ the statement said.
Our thoughts go to the family of John Prescott.
May he rest in peace.
His family announced his death, leaving a legacy that has significantly shaped the political landscape of the United Kingdom.
Prescott had his journey from the working-class roots of a seaside house in Wales to the heights of political power as the deputy prime minister under Tony Blair from 1997 to 2007.
Born on 31 May 1938 to a railway signalman father and a maid mother, Prescott's early life was far from the corridors of power he would later walk.
Former UK Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott passed away at 86. Credit: Shutterstock
At 17, he worked as a steward on a luxury cruise ship, where he honed his boxing skills in bouts organised for passenger entertainment.
His political career began after he came ashore and attended Oxford’s Ruskin College, which offered courses for mature students.
Prescott entered parliament in 1970, and over the years, he became an indispensable figure in the Labour Party, contributing to its historic three-election victories from 1997 to 2007.
His role was not just as a lawmaker but as a mediator in the often tense relationship between Blair and his future successor, Gordon Brown.
Prescott's tenure was not without controversy.
His forthright manner and physical altercation with a member of the public during an election campaign in 2001, after being hit with an egg, earned him the reputation of a political 'bruiser’.
He was also known as 'Two Jags' for his use of ministerial cars, and his oratory skills were often the subject of media ridicule.
Moreover, his personal life came under scrutiny after he acknowledged an extramarital affair with his diary secretary in 2006.
Despite these challenges, Prescott's contributions to the Labour Party and the country were significant.
Tony Blair and Gordon Brown both recognised his talents and his crucial role in maintaining unity and direction within the party during their time in government.
Blair described him as one of the most talented people he had encountered in politics, vital in keeping the 'whole show together’.
‘There was no one quite like him in British politics,’ Blair said.
‘I don’t think, to be honest, I’d ever met anyone quite like John, and I still don’t think I’ve ever met anyone quite like him, and I’m very sad that he’s passed.’
‘I was just thinking this morning about the time ... when someone smashed an egg on his head, and he turned around, and he punched the bloke and laid him out...There were no rules that he really abided by.’
‘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,’ Brown said.
Beyond his political battles, Prescott was a passionate advocate for social justice and environmental protection.
His work on negotiating the Kyoto Protocol on climate change was hailed by former US Vice President Al Gore, who recognised Prescott's unique and impactful presence in politics.
‘I’ve never worked with anyone in politics - on my side of the pond or his—quite like John Prescott,’ Gore said.
Prescott himself considered this achievement as one of his greatest.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Pauline, and two sons, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and challenge those who follow in his footsteps.
His family said he had died ‘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,’ the statement said.
May he rest in peace.
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