Britain mourned the loss of former deputy prime minister, John Prescott, who played a pivotal role in modernizing the Labour Party under Tony Blair.
Prescott, who died peacefully at the age of 86 on Wednesday, was a towering figure in British politics, known for his plain-speaking style and steadfast dedication to working-class values.
His family confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement on Thursday.
“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,” the statement read.
Prescott’s wife, Pauline, and his two sons shared that he passed away surrounded by family and the jazz melodies of Marian Montgomery, a reflection of his love for music.
A former merchant seaman and trade union activist, Prescott represented Hull in northern England for an impressive four decades as a Member of Parliament.
He rose to prominence as a bridge between Labour’s traditional working-class base and the centrist direction Blair steered the party toward.
His tenacity and charm made him a trusted lieutenant during Labour’s transformative years.
Blair, who became the longest-serving Labour prime minister, expressed deep sorrow at the loss of his longtime ally and friend.
“There was no one quite like him in British politics,” Blair remarked during an interview with BBC radio.
Prescott’s unique role in the party was essential to maintaining unity during Blair’s ambitious push to reshape Labour into a modern, electable force.
Labour leader and newly-elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed Prescott as a “true giant of the Labour movement” in a statement reflecting on his legacy. “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 Labour government that transformed the lives of millions of people across the nation,” Starmer noted.
Starmer further highlighted Prescott’s enduring impact, adding, “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.”
Prescott’s political career was punctuated by moments that revealed his fiery temperament and commitment to principle. Perhaps one of his most infamous episodes occurred during a campaign stop in North Wales when he punched a protester who had thrown an egg at him.
Despite such incidents, Prescott earned respect as a skilled mediator, often acting as a buffer between Blair and then-finance minister Gordon Brown, whose rivalry defined much of New Labour’s internal politics.
As deputy prime minister, Prescott held a broad portfolio, including transport and the environment.
He spearheaded Britain’s role in the international Kyoto Protocol negotiations, underscoring his commitment to tackling climate change—a cause that would later gain global significance.
Prescott’s health had been in decline following a stroke in 2019, and he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in the years that followed.
In July, he officially stepped down from his role in the House of Lords due to his deteriorating health, marking the end of an illustrious career.
Blair, in a poignant 2007 letter to Prescott, summed up the essence of their partnership.
“The completely unique Prescott blend of charm and brutality… 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,” he wrote.
Prescott’s passing marks the end of an era for Labour and for British politics, where his contributions to environmental policy, party unity, and the fight for social equality will be remembered for generations to come.
