John Prescott, Britain’s former deputy prime minister under Tony Blair, has passed away at 86, his family announced on Thursday. Prescott, who played a pivotal role in transforming the Labour Party, died “peacefully” in a care home on Wednesday, surrounded by family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery, his loved ones shared.
In a heartfelt statement, his family said, “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.”
Tony Blair, who chose the working-class Prescott as his deputy to bridge divides within Labour, expressed his sorrow: “There was no one quite like him in British politics,” he told BBC radio, calling the loss “devastating.”
Keir Starmer, the UK’s current prime minister, lauded Prescott as “a true giant of the Labour movement,” noting his contributions to improving millions of lives during his decade-long tenure as deputy prime minister. “So much of John’s work set the path for those of us fortunate enough to follow,” Starmer said, highlighting Prescott’s leadership in climate negotiations and tackling regional inequality.
Prescott served as a member of parliament for Hull for 40 years and was a staunch trade unionist and former merchant seaman. Known for his plain-speaking style, he once punched a protester who threw an egg at him during a campaign stop.
His portfolio included overseeing environment and transport policies and representing Britain in negotiations for the Kyoto Protocol on climate change. Blair once described Prescott’s role as “smoothing out colleagues and trouble-shooting,” crediting him with keeping the government cohesive.
Prescott, who suffered a stroke in 2019 and had Alzheimer’s, stepped down from the House of Lords earlier this year due to health issues. Blair’s tribute in a 2007 letter encapsulated Prescott’s political legacy: “The completely unique Prescott blend of charm and brutality… kept the government together and above all, gave me a lot of fun.”
Prescott’s family said his passing marks the end of a remarkable political era.
