Tributes have been paid to former Labour deputy prime minister John Prescott, who has died aged 86.
Lord Prescott, a former trade union activist and ex-merchant seaman who went on to be a key figure within Sir Tony Blair’s New Labour project, died “peacefully” surrounded by relatives at his care home after a battle with Alzheimer’s, his family said in a statement.
His family said they are “deeply saddened” after his death, adding that he “spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment”, they added.
Lord Prescott was viewed by many the torchbearer for the traditional elements of the Labour Party, at a time when it was being radically modernised by Sir Tony and Gordon Brown.
In 2010 he was introduced to the House of Lords as Baron Prescott of Kingston upon Hull, after representing the city for four decades in the Commons.
Former prime minister Gordon Brown described Lord Prescott as a “working class hero” and a “colossus and and titan of the Labour movement”.
Meanwhile, one of New Labour’s architects, Peter Mandelson, said he was an “essential part” of the project, and that he was “the cement that kept New Labour together”.
Key Points
- Prescott in pictures: An unapologetic political maverick
- Watch: Famous moment John Prescott punches protestor after being egged
- John Prescott had ‘an enormous heart’, Alastair Campbell says
- Tony Blair ‘devastated’ as he pays tribute to ‘great man’
- Obituary: The Labour firebrand who became Tony Blair’s vital sidekick
Prescott was the ‘cement that kept New Labour together’, says Mandelson
11:20 , Alex CroftPeter Mandelson, the architect of New Labour, has spoken of John Prescott’s importance in the New Labour Project.
Lord Mandelson said Lord Prescott was one of the “all-time greats of our party” with a “tremendous courage and amazing loyalty to the government”.
“He was in many ways the cement that kept New Labour together,” Lord Mandelson continued. “And when some people say, well, he wasn’t New Labour, he was something else, that’s not quite right. He was an essential part of New Labour. I mean, he anchored New Labour in the party’s history and its trade union past.
“And in a sense, he was a very effective bridge between the party’s working class roots and the modernisers of the Labour Party. But to say that he wasn’t part of New Labour is really not correct.
“He really was part of New Labour. I really don’t think that New Labour could have been born in the way that it was or succeeded to the extent that it did without John Prescott.”
Commons reaction: Prescott was a ‘true giant’ of Labour, says Starmer
11:19 , Alex CroftMore reaction has emerged from prime minister Sir Keir Starmer after Lord John Prescott’s death.
Lord Prescott was a “true giant” of the Labour movement, Sir Keir said, reiterating his previous comments.
“A man who fought for working-class ambitions because he lived it,” he told MPs.
Commons reaction: Prescott is an ‘inspiration’ to working class children, says transport secretary
11:11 , Alex CroftTransport Secretary Louise Haigh has described Lord Prescott as an “inspiration to working class boys and girls”.
She said: “A Merchant Navy steward who became deputy prime minister, a visionary transport secretary, and an icon of the New Labour government.
“An inspiration to working class boys and girls across our country for what our Labour movement can achieve, and our thoughts are with Pauline, his family, and everyone who loved him in our whole Labour family.”
Sir Linsday Hoyle: Prescott was a ‘dedicated parliamentarian’
11:07 , Alex CroftSpeaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle has led tributes to Lord Prescott in parliament.
Sir Lindsay said: “John served the people of Hull for 40 years as a member of this House, 10 of them as deputy prime minister.
“He was a towering figure in the Labour trade union movement and a campaigner for workers. A fearless, loyal, active, unionist and dedicated parliamentarian – an advocate for his constituents.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Pauline and family. There will be an opportunity for the House to pay fuller tributes next week.”
Prescott in pictures: An unapologetic political maverick
10:55 , Alex Croft
Comment: Tony Blair | John Prescott and I were New Labour’s odd couple
10:42 , Alex CroftAlthough we all knew that the end was approaching and was inevitable, I am devastated by John’s passing. He was one of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics; one of the most committed and loyal; and definitely the most unusual.
There was nothing about John which fitted conventional wisdom. He was from proud traditional, working-class stock yet understood instinctively and completely the aspirations of that class and their desire to better themselves.
He was liberal and tolerant, yet instantly intolerant of any overly liberal middle class dismissal of the misery suffered by poor inner city communities from crime and drug abuse. He could talk in the bluntest and sometimes bluest language, but it concealed a first-rate intellect which meant he thought as deeply about issues as much as he cared about them.
Former prime minister Tony Blair writes for the Independent:
William Hague pays respects to ‘formidable debater’
10:30 , David Maddox, Political EditorFormer Tory leader Lord William Hague has described John Prescott as a “formidable debater” and “full of life”.
He said in a post on X: “John Prescott was one of the great figures of our political era—passionate, loyal, and full of life. I will never forget our many lively exchanges across the despatch box.
“John was a formidable debater, unflinching in his commitment to his values, and he had a unique ability to speak directly to the concerns of the people he represented.
“It was a point of pride for both of us that we hailed from Rotherham; although it shaped us in different ways, we shared a certain bluntness in our exchanges—though in true Yorkshire fashion, John usually got straight to the point faster than I did!
“John’s legacy as a voice for working people and a relentless advocate for Labour will endure. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this very sad time.”
David Cameron: British politics has ‘lost a great character’
10:18 , Millie Cooke, Political CorrespondentLord David Cameron said British politics has “lost a great character”, describing Lord Prescott as a “heavyweight of the Labour movement”.
Posting to X, the former Conservative prime minister wrote: “We might have had different political views, but there is no doubting John Prescott’s impact on British politics over four decades and more.
“John was a heavyweight of the Labour movement and a huge figure of our politics during the 1990s and 2000s. A deeply committed, loyal and long-serving deputy prime minister, he had an enormous impact on our country, our politics and the Labour Party over many years; he will be hugely missed.
“Politics has lost a great character, full of conviction and with a genuine dedication to public service today. My thoughts are with John’s family and many friends.”
Piers Morgan: Prescott as ‘one of my all-time favourite politicians’
10:05 , Alex CroftPiers Morgan is full of praise for Lord John Prescott, who “loved a good dust-up”.
In a post on X, he said: “RIP John Prescott, 86. One of my all-time favourite politicians. Pugnacious, uncompromising, principled, hilarious & brilliant… he loved a good dust-up, especially with journalists.
“But as our Life Stories interview showed, ‘Prezza’ was a warm, kind, smart and decent man too.”
RIP John Prescott, 86.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 21, 2024
One of my all-time favourite politicians. Pugnacious, uncompromising, principled, hilarious & brilliant… he loved a good dust-up, especially with journalists. But as our Life Stories interview showed, ‘Prezza’ was a warm, kind, smart and decent man too. pic.twitter.com/JhibbqKIa7
‘Stupid boy’: Journalist recalls his only encounter with Prescott
09:50 , Alex CroftMatt Chorley, a BBC journalist, has recalled his one encounter with John Prescott while he was working at PA Media as a young reporter.
“I only met John Prescott once,” Mr Chorley said. “In May 2006, it had just been revealed that he had been playing croquet at Dorneywood while supposedly running the country. I was sent by PA to doorstep him outside the Indonesian embassy, which he visited following an earthquake.
“I was the only person there, standing on the pavement in the sunshine, playing at being a political hack: ‘Are you going to resign?’ Prescott turned to look at me then turned away to walk in, muttering (loudly) under his breath: ‘Stupid boy.’ On that day at least, he was right on both counts.”
John Prescott obituary: The Labour firebrand who became Tony Blair’s vital sidekick
09:34 , Dennis Kavanagh, Joe Middleton, David MaddoxA highlight of the lacklustre 2001 general election campaign was the “Prescott punch”. John Prescott, Labour’s Deputy Prime Minister was incensed by a protester who hit him with an egg. He lashed out at the egg-thrower and the police had to separate the two men. The incident was caught on camera and dominated the news. A mortified Prescott thought that he would have to resign. Tony Blair played the matter down, stating: “John is John”.
Prescott was the keeper of the cloth cap in Tony Blair’s Labour government, perhaps the last overtly working class Labour politician to hold high ministerial office. With his prolier than thou attitude and forceful statement of traditional Labour values, he could touch the hearts of trade union and Labour activists more than any other party figure.
At the 1993 Party Conference the leader, John Smith, was advocating one member one vote in elections for parliamentary candidates and the party leader. The result was in doubt and Smith’s authority, if not his leadership, was on the line. Prescott, in a passionate, meandering even incoherent speech, roused the enthusiasm of the audience and helped to win the vote.
Read the full obituary:
John Prescott: The Labour firebrand who became Tony Blair’s vital sidekick
Prescott was ‘Labour to his core’, says Lammy
09:20 , Alex CroftForeign secretary David Lammy has described John Prescott as “committed, loyal, Labour to his core”.
In a post on X, he said: “John Prescott was one of the giants of our party. Committed, loyal, Labour to his core.
“A relentless champion of working people who never forgot who he came into politics to fight for. Full of good humour and blunt common sense. Rest in peace,” he added.
John Prescott was one of the giants of our party.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) November 21, 2024
Committed, loyal, Labour to his core.
A relentless champion of working people who never forgot who he came into politics to fight for.
Full of good humour and blunt common sense.
Rest in peace.
Watch: Former Labour prime minister Tony Blair pays tribute to John Prescott
09:07 , Alex CroftFull report: Former deputy prime minister John Prescott dies aged 86
08:53 , Alex CroftFormer deputy prime minister John Prescott has died at the age of 86 after battling Alzheimer’s, his family announced.
The Labour veteran, who was a pivotal figure in Sir Tony Blair’s New Labour project, died peacefully in a care home surrounded by family.
During a parliamentary career spanning 50 years, Lord Prescott served as deputy prime minister for a decade following the party’s landslide victory in 1997.
While he was known for his fiery temperament, he played a crucial role in mediating the often fractious relationship between Sir Tony and then chancellor Gordon Brown.
John Prescott death: Former deputy prime minister dies aged 86
Gordon Brown: Prescott was a ‘working class hero'
08:41 , David Maddox, Political EditorFormer prime minister Gordon Brown has paid tribute to John Prescott, describing him as a “working class hero”.
He said on the BBC’s Today programme: “He was a colossus and and titan of the Labour movement. When you hear the term working class hero, John fitted that description.”
Listing his “great achievements”, Brown noted his work on the Kyoto Agreement, devolution and the repair and improvement of housing.
He went on: “At all times he was a unifying force. As deputy leader he realised the passion for unity in the Labour Party. He was important in holding the party together particularly over Iraq.
“Despite his image as a tough person who was uncompromising, John really wanted people to work together.”
He noted: “John always talked about enduring values in Labour politics, so his values never changed.”
Watch: Famous moment John Prescott punches protestor after being egged
08:30 , Alex CroftJohn Prescott was occasionally known to have a short temper - and famously punched a protestor who threw an egg at him.
On 16 May 2001, during what was perceived by many to be a lacklustre Labour election campaign, Lord Prescott snatched the headlines.
After around 30 protestors picketed a campaign event in Rhyl, north Wales, to demonstrate against low agricultural wages and Labour’s support for the fox hunting ban.
As Lord Prescott passed the crowd, local farm worker Craig Evans threw an egg at point blank range, hitting him in the face. Lord Prescott responded, with what he described himself as “an instinctive boxer’s jab with the left fist”.
Lord Prescott afterwards said: “When I spoke to Tony I explained that it wasn’t my fault, I hadn’t started it, but he said I shouldn’t have done it, even if I had been provoked. After all, I was the deputy prime minister.
“‘I might be’, I said, ‘but I am also an ordinary bloke, and an ordinary bloke would react as I did’.”
Family shares photo of John Prescott in later years
08:15 , Alex Croft
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey remembers ‘towering figure’ John Prescott
08:07 , Alex CroftLiberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has paid tribute to “towering figure” John Prescott.
He said in a statement this morning: “I am deeply saddened by the news of John Prescott passing away and my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.
“John Prescott will be remembered as a towering figure in British politics and his unwavering tenacity on the causes he championed should be a lesson to us all.
“His influence on our modern society will still be felt for years to come and his legacy remembered far into the future.”
Keir Starmer: ‘His legacy will live on'
08:02 , Alex CroftPrime minister Keir Starmer has paid tribute to a “true giant” of the Labour party, Lord John Prescott.
Sir Keir said he is “deeply saddened” to hear of Lord Prescott’s death.
“John was a true giant of the Labour movement. He was a staunch defender of working people and a proud trade unionist,” he said, describing him as one of the “key architects” of the New Labour government.
“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.”
Representing Hull was Lord Prescott’s ‘greatest honour’ - full family statement
07:54 , Alex CroftLord John Prescott’s family have said that representing the people of Hull was his “greatest Honour”.
A statement released by his wife Pauline and sons, Jonathan and David, read: “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,” they said.
“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.”
John Prescott had ‘an enormous heart’, Alastair Campbell says
07:46 , Millie Cooke, Political CorrespondentAlastair Campbell paid tribute to John Prescott on social media in the early hours of Thursday morning, saying the former deputy prime minister “had an enormous heart and a great capacity for friendship”.
Posting on social media, Sir Tony Blair’s former communications chief said: “There was nobody else like him. Tony could not have had a better deputy. Labour could not have had a better campaigner.”
He said Sir Tony’s government “could not have had a better negotiator and...peacemaker”, adding: “Hull could not have had a better MP. Of course he was combative but he had an enormous heart and a great capacity for friendship.”
“Even with his horrible illness in later years, the old JP was always there. Love to Pauline, Jonathan and David and nothing but fond memories of a total one off who will be missed by so many.”
Tony Blair ‘devastated’ as he pays tribute to ‘great man’
07:44 , Alex CroftFormer prime minister Sir Tony Blair has said he is “devastated” by Lord Prescott’s death, describing him as “one of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics”.
Lord Prescott, who came from a different tradition within the Labour Party to Sir Tony, acted deputy prime minister during the transformative New Labour years.
Sir Tony described him as “one of the most committed and loyal” politicians and “definitely the most unusual.”
He continued: “He will deservedly occupy a special place in the pantheon of the Labour leadership; he will be mourned by his many friends and fans around the world and for me personally, today is a day of profound sadness but also immense pride in having known him and worked with him: a great man and great servant of country and party.”
John Prescott: The Labour firebrand who became Tony Blair’s vital sidekick
07:40 , Alex CroftA highlight of the lacklustre 2001 general election campaign was the “Prescott punch”. John Prescott, Labour’s Deputy Prime Minister was incensed by a protester who hit him with an egg.
He lashed out at the egg-thrower and the police had to separate the two men. The incident was caught on camera and dominated the news.
A mortified Prescott thought that he would have to resign. Tony Blair played the matter down, stating: “John is John”.
Dennis Kavanagh and Joe Middleton write:
John Prescott: The Labour firebrand who became Tony Blair’s vital sidekick
John Prescott dies, aged 86
07:36 , Alex CroftFormer deputy prime minister Lord John Prescott has died aged 86, his family announded.
Tributes are pouring in for the giant of the Labour party, who was seen as a leading light for its traditional values during a period of modernisation under Sir Tony Blair.
Lord Prescott, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, died “peacefully” surrounded by his family at his care home.
We’ll bring you all the latest reaction and updates on this live blog.
