John Prescott death: Recap as ‘one-off’ Labour grandee who threw punch at protester dies aged 86 after battle with Alzheimer’s

By JAMIE BULLEN

Published: 02:08 EST, 21 November 2024 | Updated: 10:06 EST, 21 November 2024

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Lord Prescott was today described as a ‘one-off’ and a ‘titan of British politics’ following his death at the age of 86.

His wife Pauline and sons Jonathan and David announced the former Labour deputy prime minister passed away peacefully in his care home after a battle with Alzheimer’s.

Lord Prescott was first elected to Parliament in 1970 and rose up the ranks to become a key figure of Sir Tony Blair ’s New Labour project.

He was ennobled in 2010 and introduced to the upper chamber as Baron Prescott of Kingston upon Hull.

Our live coverage has now ended but for a full recap see below

This live blog has now closed.

Thanks for following us today as we wrap up our live coverage of tributes and reaction to the death of Lord Prescott.

We’ve heard from the Labour grandee’s family, former political colleagues and the current crop of MPs today as they paid their respects to the towering figure in British politics.

Although this page is no longer being updated, there remains plenty of content on the MailOnline website.

Thanks again for joining us today.

Lord Prescott dies aged 86: Everything you need to know this afternoon

British politicians are today paying tribute to Lord Prescott, a former Labour deputy prime minister who has been described as a ‘titan’ and a ‘one-off’ after his 40-year career as an MP which saw him rise to become a key architect in the New Labour project.

If you’re just joining us this afternoon, here’s what you need to know:

Lord Prescott’s wife Pauline and two sons Jonathan and David released a statement this morning announcing he had passed away peacefully in a care home surrounded by familyThe 86-year-old spent the final years of his life living with Alzheimer’s and his family have asked for charitable donations to Alzheimer’s Research in lieu of flowers.Sir Keir Starmer led the tributes in the Commons today describing Lord Prescott as a ‘one-off’ as Kemi Badenoch and Sir Ed Davey gave their condolences on behalf of their partiesFormer prime ministers Sir Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Sir John Major have all given tributes to Prescott who was a key mediator in the tensions between Blair and BrownFriends and MPs have been recalling his most notable moments in public life including when he punched a protester on the election campaign trail in 2001 and a cameo in BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey

Read our full story on Lord Prescott’s death by Elizabeth Haigh here

We will continue to bring reaction throughout the afternoon.

John Prescott in pictures: Meeting Mandela, swimming in the Thames and Wembley

Here’s some more of our favourite John Prescott pictures this afternoon as former MPs pay tribute to the ‘one-off’ politician described as a ‘titan in British politics’.

Nelson Mandela greets Prescott at the Labour Partu conference in 2000

Prescott goes in goal at Wembley Stadium in 1998 to launch the Mayor Of London referendum campaign

John Prescott with Chester Zoo animals after he won an award in 1999

Prescott pictured in 1983 after swimming down the Thames to protest against dumping nuclear waste at sea

Prescott dives off Northumberland coast for World Oceans Day in 1997

Lord Blunkett – Last time I saw John he poked me in the chest with his stick

Former home secretary David Blunkett, who served in Sir Tony Blair’s cabinet alongside John Prescott, described him as ‘tenacious, sometimes furious and always committed’.

In a statement on X, he wrote:

It is often said that someone is a ‘once off’. But in John’s case, it was absolutely true. Tenacious, sometimes furious, always committed and totally loyal to the Labour cause.Elements in our own background meant that sometimes we clashed like two stags locking horns, but always out of commitment to the cause to which we gave our lives. Last time I saw John in person, he poked me in the chest with his stick, and we hugged.He truly was a giant of modern politics and will be sorely missed.

‘A unique voice in British politics’: How journalists paid tribute to Lord Prescott

We’ve heard from many MPs and former prime ministers today but journalists have also paid tribute to Lord Prescott.

Despite at times a fiery relationship with the media, reporters have come forward to pay their respects to the former Labour grandee.

Lord Kinnock – John Prescott was a political innovator who became essential figure

Former Labour Party leader Lord Kinnock has described Lord Prescott as a ‘political innovator’ and an ‘essential figure’ in politics.

John Prescott was an intriguing mixture of ferocity and charm who attracted affection, respect and, sometimes, outrage. He was truly a political innovator in policies ranging from integrated transport to combating climate change and regional democratic and economic development to European co-operation.Vitally, he was also a very practical MP and Minister who continually sought the best way to ‘get things done’ whether that meant bringing divergent people together or insisting on details of implementation. This central invaluable quality made him an essential figure in 10 years as deputy prime minister. John wouldn’t want me to pretend that we always agreed – but it was to his credit that after a dispute he would sustain his commitment to the party and to the project of change.

Watch: Starmer’s tribute to Lord Prescott in the Commons

Here’s the moment Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to Lord Prescott in the Commons earlier today.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described Lord Prescott as a ‘one-off’ and a ‘true giant’ of both the Labour movement and Parliament.

Inside John Prescott’s 20-year battle with bulimia

Former deputy prime minister John Prescott was as a political bruiser, an old-school Labour MP who could down a pint in five seconds and was no stranger to public outbursts — famously punching a farmer who egged him in 2001.

But privately he grappled with what is often wrongly considered to be a ‘women’s disease’ — the eating disorder bulimia.

Bulimia nervosa is a type of eating disorder where people eat large amounts of food in one sitting and then try and compensate by vomiting, taking laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or exercising excessively (called purging).

While it is thought the condition is caused by multiple factors, including genetics, it can be triggered by embarking on weight loss diets and, in Lord Prescott’s case, stress.

The former MP for Kingston upon Hull East, who has died age 86 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s — went public with his condition in 2008, and was praised for raising awareness for eating disorders in men.

Read the full story by John Ely here

Piers Morgan – ‘John Prescott was one of my favourite politicians – he loved a good dust up’

Piers Morgan has hailed Lord Prescott as one of his ‘all-time favourite politicians’ as he paid tribute on X following his death.

Appearing on Morgan’s Life Stories on ITV in 2011, Lord Prescott publicly apologised to his wife Pauline following an affair with his ex- colleague Tracey Temple.

Addressing his wife in the audience, he said:

I love you like I’ve never done before and I should have done before, a lot more, and been a lot more considerate, and that’s what I’d like to say to Pauline.

Watch: How John Prescott survived punching protester who struck him with an egg

Downing Street’s former director of communications Alastair Campbell has indicated why Lord Prescott was not sacked for punching a protester in 2001 as he recalled the conversation he had after the incident took place.

Speaking to Sky News, a visibly emotional Mr Campbell said he received a call from Prescott around half an hour after the punch took place in Rhyl to inform him and the then prime minister Tony Blair, adding he would not be resigning over it.

I remember we got into the car after Tony’s interview and I told Tony what happened. I described it to him. And he went, ‘oh god are we going to have to sack him?’ At which point the driver, Terry, and the special branch bloke in the front of the car both turned around at the same time and just went, ‘you what?’And what that said to us was that so far as the public was concerned they completely understood why John Prescott thumped that bloke.

John Prescott was never short of a word or two – and while they could sometimes become a bit jumbled, he never minced them either.

The former Labour deputy prime minister, who has died at the age og 86, was a formidable debater and also famous for cracking jokes, even in the darkest moments.

After punching a member of the public who egged him outside a Labour rally in 2001, his boss Tony Blair called him to berate him.

The then prime minister demanded: ‘Well, what happened?’, to which Prezza responded: ‘I was just carrying out your orders. You told us to connect with the electorate, so I did’. Blair later admitted to the press: ‘John is John’.

After more than 50 years in Parliament, MailOnline has put together 20 of the most famous Prescott-isms.

Read Martin Robinson’s story here to see them all

Sir John Major – ‘Although a political opponent, I much admired him’

Sir John Major has become the latest former prime minister to offer his respects to Lord Prescott.

He described Lord Prescott as ‘an utterly authentic politician whose views came from personal experience, not political expediency’.

It comes after Sir Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron paid their tributes earlier today.

He was an essential part of Labour’s electoral success in the 1990s and – as deputy prime minister – continued to say what he thought in unmistakable terms. He never lost sight of the causes that first motivated him into politics, and remained a passionate advocate for all he believed – even if that meant the odd tussle with colleagues along the way.Although a political opponent, I much admired him as a man who never betrayed his core instincts. He was, in essence, a deep down genuine politician. The public saw that – and respected him for it.

Last photograph of John Prescott released by family

The family of Lord Prescott released what is believed to be the last photograph issued of the former deputy prime minister before his death was announced today.

The image shows Prescott beaming next to his wife Pauline in what is understood to be her 82nd birthday back in 2021.

The couple married in 1961 and have two sons, Jonathan and David.

His loved ones say Lord Prescott died “peacefully” surrounded by family at his care home after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Kemi Badenoch – Lord Prescott was a true patriot

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has described Lord Prescott as a ‘titan of British politics’ who ‘connected with the electorate during the 2001 general election’.

Ms Badenoch told the Commons:

May I take the opportunity to express my heartfelt condolences on behalf of me and my party on the death of Lord Prescott. He was a titan of British politics in the 1990s, one of this country’s greatest examples of social mobility, and a true patriot – no one who had two jags could not love this country.And we all especially remember that moment when he connected with the electorate during the 2001 general election. Many of us, all across the country, and the public, were very much on his side during that altercation.

Starmer pays tribute to Lord Prescott in Commons

Sir Keir Starmer has now paid tribute to Lord Prescott in the Commons, describing him as a ‘one-off’.

The Labour leader returned to Westminster after attending the G20 summit in Brazil, and returned to Parliament today to update MPs on climate talks and the latest situation in Ukraine.

We woke today to the deeply sad news that we’ve lost a true giant of the Labour movement and of this house. A man who fought for working class ambition because he lived it.He did it all in his own way, with humour, with pride, passion and total conviction. To the city of Hull and to all those who knew him and loved him – his legacy lives on in all of us.

How Lord Prescott’s ‘adopted city’ of Hull will remember the Labour heavyweight

Lord Prescott was first elected to the Parliament in the Kingston upon Hull East in 1970 and spent the next 40 years representing the constituency.

In the statement announcing his death, his wife Pauline and sons Jonathan and David said representing the area in East Yorkshire as his ‘greatest honour’.

Let’s see what those in Hull have had to say:

Karl Turner, Labour MP for East Hull, John’s legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of those he served and the city he loved.Hull City Council leader Mike Ross He was an extremely significant figure in the Labour government of Tony Blair, who oversaw important changes to how the country was run. He was, though, always committed to his constituency and the city of Hull and there are many organisations in the city that benefited from his help and assistance.Hull City Council Labour leader Daren HaleJohn was an absolute giant of the Labour & Trade Union movement, who adored his adopted city, which he served with such distinction.

Hull’s two rugby league sides Hull KR and Hull FC have also posted statements on their X accounts

Hull KR are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former East Hull MP and Deputy Prime Minister, Lord John Prescott. John sat on the clubs board during the period 2006-2010.We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Deputy Prime Minister and ex-Hull KR director Lord John Prescott, who served our city with great distinction for four decades as MP for Hull East. The thoughts and condolences of everybody at Hull FC are with his friends and family today.

DOMINIC SANDBROOK: John Prescott was an unashamed bruiser who gloried in his working-class roots

In an age of increasingly bland, stage-managed politicians, John Prescott, who has died aged 86, cut an unrepentantly colourful figure.

As Tony Blair’s Deputy Prime Minister for ten years, he had little impact on day-to-day policy.

Indeed, most of his supposedly landmark initiatives, such as a joined-up public transport system and devolved governments for England’s regions, were total failures.

To the public, however, Prescott was one of the Blair administration’s most recognisable faces.

At a time when most politicians seemed terrified of saying anything vaguely memorable, here was an unashamed bruiser who gloried in his working-class roots, mangled his sentences and, infamously, exchanged punches with an egg-throwing protester in full view of the cameras.

Read the full piece by Dominic Sandbrook here

Labour frontbenchers pay tribute to ‘relentless champion’ Lord Prescott

Here’s some tributes from the Labour frontbench as the party pays tribute to grandee and former deputy prime minister John Prescott.

I am incredibly saddened about the news of John Prescott’s death. He was an icon of the Labour movement and helped deliver a transformational government. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with Pauline and his family.Home Secretary Yvette CooperSuch sad news about John Prescott. A campaigning Labour hero & a remarkable minister who transformed lives – upgrading millions of council homes, coalfield regeneration, tackling climate change. Fierce & warm hearted – there was no one like him. Thinking of Pauline & family todayForeign Secretary David LammyJohn 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.Health Secretary Wes StreetingTraditional values in a modern setting – John Prescott gave the Labour Party the winning spirit we needed and he never stopped fighting for what he believed in. I will miss our conversations in the tea room – even (especially) being told off. Love to Pauline and the family.

Watch: John Prescott’s cameo in Gavin and Stacey

Lord Prescott once appeared in BBC hit series Gavin and Stacey in a hilarious skit as Nessa’s old flame.

The politician made an appearance in the show in the last episode of the third series as a guest at Ruth Jones’s character’s wedding as she prepared to marry fiance Dave Coaches.

Lord Prestcott wrote glowingly in his blog at the time about his cameo saying that he ‘thoroughly enjoyed’ it.

During the original BBC series, which ran from 2007 until 2010, Nessa Jenkins regularly recalled her sexual liaisons with celebrities such as Nigel Havers, members of Welsh comedy hip hop group Goldie Lookin Chain – and Lord Prescott.

The character regularly alluded to the Labour politician being a former flame, including expressing regret that he was not the father of her baby when she fell pregnant.

Read Matt Strudwick’s full story here

David Cameron – Politics has lost a great character

Former Conservative prime minister Lord Cameron has become the latest to pay his respects to Lord Prescott by saying British politics has lost a great character.

See his statement below posted on X this morning:

Parliament pays tribute to Lord Prescott

Sir Lindsay Hoyle has led Commons tributes to Lord Prescott.

The Commons Speaker 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.

Was Lord Prescott’s jab the greatest political punch in history?

He was the politician who pulled no punches and in the wake of Lord John Precott’s death, his most famous political moment is being remembered again.

The former Labour MP and peer passed away yesterday surrounded with loved-ones at his care home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

The son of a railwayman and a servant from north Wales, Lord Prescott was a fine boxer as a boy – and his most famous moment was when he thumped a farmer who had egged him outside a Labour rally in Rhyl in 2001.

The ex-merchant seaman earned the nickname ‘two jabs’ following the incident – a variation on ‘two Jags’, which referred to his fondness for luxury cars.

The punch happened when Lord Prescott had just got off his campaign bus, the Prescott Express, to speak at a Labour rally.

As he walked past a line of protesters, he was struck by an egg which covered his suit.

Read the full story by John James here

Lord Mandelson – John Prescott was ‘cement’ that held New Labour together

Lord Mandelson has described Lord Prescott as ‘the cement that kept New Labour together’.

Speaking to the Sky News Breakfast programme, he said:

Some people say sometimes that he wasn’t New Labour. But that’s not true. He was New Labour. He was one very essential part of New Labour.He basically kept us… in our working class roots, our trade union history and he was the bridge essentially between that and the modernisers in the Labour Party… and he always wanted that project to work.It’s not as if he was standing outside it and peering in. He was on the inside making it work. He was in many respects the cement that kept New Labour together over all those years.

Watch: Sir Tony Blair speaks about former deputy Lord Prescott

Here’s some footage we can now bring you of Sir Tony Blair speaking about Lord Prescott following the announcement of his death earlier this morning.

Hull KR – We will miss his fantastic humour and stories of run ins with world leaders

Rugby league side Hull Kingston Rovers, otherwise known as Hull KR, have paid tribute to John Prescott after the Labour grandee once sat on the club’s board.

Owner Neil Hudgell paid tribute, saying:

Everyone knew the public John, but we were fortunate enough to get to know the private side of him. He was a kind, warm and incredibly funny man, who we will greatly miss.His contribution to the club and the area was significant over many years, with tangible evidence of his contribution across the city and beyond. We will miss his fantastic humour and stories of his run ins with various world leaders that entertained us all so much in the boardroom on gameday.

Jeremy Corbyn – I’ll be forever grateful for John Prescott’s political support

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has become the latest to pay tribute to John Prescott and said he will be ‘forever grateful’ for his political support in two general election campaigns.

Watch: Moment John Prescott punched protester on campaign trail

John Prescott hit the headlines on many occasions but none more so than when he punched a protester in 2001.

The deputy prime minister was heading to a campaign event for the upcoming general election in Rhyl when agricultural worker Craig Evans pelted him with an egg at point blank range.

Prescott reacted almost immediately by jabbing Evans before a brief scuffle ensued.

Lord Prescott said at the time: ‘I was attacked by an individual. In the melee that followed I clearly defended myself.’

Gordon Brown – John Prescott’s ‘two Jags’ nickname was ‘a bit unfair’

Gordon Brown has said Lord Prescott’s ‘two Jags’ nickname which was coined for having a pair of Jaguar cars was a ‘bit unfair’, adding he wanted ‘prosperity’ for everyone.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the former prime minister said of Lord Prescott:

He wanted for other people what he also felt was right for him and his family.

What was great about John was not that he had two Jaguars – but he wanted everybody to have the chance of a higher level of prosperity.

Angela Rayner pays tribute to ‘loyal friend’ Lord Prescott

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said Lord Prescott was ‘a giant of the Labour movement” and a “loyal friend”.

Paying tribute to Lord Prescott, who was deputy prime minister from 1997 to 2007, Ms Rayner said:

Through his half a century of public service and a decade as deputy prime minister, John Prescott was driven by his Labour values to serve working people.Fiercely proud of his working class and trade union roots, he never lost sight of who he came into politics to serve. He used the chance he was given to change the lives of millions of working people.A giant of the Labour movement and loyal friend, he will be remembered with huge fondness by all those who knew him. John was not only a Labour legend but an inspiration to me, and always so generous with his time and support.

Gordon Brown – John Prescott will remain a legend of the Labour Party

Former prime minister Gordon Brown has described John Prescott as a ‘titan’ who would be remembered as a ‘working class hero’ after rising through the ranks of the Labour Party.

Paying tribute to Lord Prescott, Mr 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. 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.”

Watch: Lord Prescott explicit rant at photographer after wife was knocked over

Lord Prescott famously clashed with the press many times but it was photographers that irked him in 2017 when his wife fell to the ground as they left the Pride of Britain Awards in London.

The Labour grandee flicked the V-sign and told snappers to ‘f*** off’ after Lady Prescott was knocked over trying to get through a scrum outside the Grosvenor Hotel in Mayfair.

Speaking afterwards, Lord Prescott said his wife had been knocked over and claimed ‘it was almost a Princess Diana situation’.

John Prescott’s unusual act when he first met King Charles

Sir Tony Blair described Lord Prescott balancing his teacup and saucer on his stomach when the former deputy prime minister first met with the then-Prince of Wales.

The former prime minister had written about the moment in his autobiography A Journey.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the now-King asked him ‘what do you think it signifies?’

I said I don’t think it really signifies anything… it was classic John, but he would have had the same blunt conversation with the then-Prince Charles as he would have had with me.It’s what he used to do with me as well, he would sit there” with a cup and saucer on his stomach. I don’t think, to be honest, I ever met anyone quite like John and I still don’t think I’ve ever met anyone quite like him.

John Prescott: A life in pictures

He was one of the most colourful characters in politics and there’s plenty in the photo archives to back it up.

Let’s take a look back at Lord Prescott’s life in pictures starting from the early 90s at the start of the New Labour revolution to the House of Lords.

John Prescott speaks at the Labour Conference in Blackpool, October 1992

Tony Blair and John Prescott wave to crowds after a speech in 1996

Prescott outside Parliament in 1998 a year after Labour came to power

John Prescott singing at a party in Manchester, on the eve of the final day of the Labour Party conference in 2006

Lord Prescott poses with boxing gloves on a visit to Redcar in 2015

Lord Prescott is introduced to the House of Lords in London as Baron Prescott of Kingston-upon-Hull in 2010

William Hague – I will never forget our lively exchanges across the despatch box

In his tribute to Lord Prescott, former Conservative leader William Hague said:

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.

Alzheimer’s charity pays respects to Lord Prescott

The UK’s leading Alzheimer’s charity has paid its respects to Lord Prescott after his family asked for donations to the group instead of flowers.

Hilary Evans-Newton, chief executive at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

It’s heartbreaking to hear that former deputy prime minister, Lord John Prescott, one of the most prominent political figures of our generation, has died with Alzheimer’s. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.It’s tragic how many lives are being lost to dementia, the leading cause of death in the UK. We’re incredibly moved by Lord Prescott’s family, who have asked for donations to Alzheimer’s Research UK, in lieu of flowers.As the UK’s leading dementia research charity, we’re accelerating progress towards a cure, so no one’s life has to end this way.

Sir Ed Davey – Lord Prescott will be remembered as towering figure in British politics

Responding to the news of John Prescott’s death, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said:

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.

How Blair responded to John Precott punching protester who threw egg at him

Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair has 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.

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.

John Prescott: Stormy relationship with press but key mediator between Blair and Brown

John Prescott was the pugnacious political bruiser who became an indispensable figure in Sir Tony Blair’s New Labour project.

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.

Notoriously short-tempered, as deputy prime minister he famously brawled with a protester who struck him with an egg while out campaigning during the 2001 general election.

He had a stormy relationship with the press who dubbed him “two Jags”, and who mocked his at times jumbled syntax in statements and interviews.

He nevertheless emerged as a key mediator in the turbulent relationship between Sir Tony and chancellor Gordon Brown, which dominated the politics of the time.

But after leaving office along with Sir Tony in 2007, he became increasingly critical of the New Labour legacy, denouncing Britain’s involvement in the Iraq War and backing Jeremy Corbyn.

Al Gore among first politicians to pay tribute to Lord Prescott

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.

Snapshot of Lord Prescott’s political career

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.

At times short-tempered, he once famously punched a protester who threw an egg at him during an election campaign visit to North Wales in 2001.

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.

He also strongly defended Jeremy Corbyn during his time as party leader in the face of fierce criticism.

Sir Tony Blair – He was one of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics… and definitely the most unusual

Sir Tony Blair has described his former deputy as the one of the most talented and loyal politicians he had come across who had achieved ‘extraordinary accomplishments’ in public life.

Paying tribute to Lord Prescott, former prime minister said:

Although 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.It is no exaggeration to say the Labour Party could never have won three consecutive full terms without John. He was a commanding presence. He represented the wing of the party which was not New Labour, but he did it in a way which never reduced the effectiveness of our appeal and indeed extended it, broadening the base of our support.He had extraordinary accomplishments: he revived many of Britain’s inner cities, was responsible for the refurbishment of thousands of council homes, the revival of British shipping, completed the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, established the Coalfield Communities Trust to breathe life back into villages and towns affected by the closure of mines; and was Britain’s lead negotiator for the Kyoto climate treaty, the world’s first attempt to agree a global response to climate change.

Keir Starmer – Lord Prescott was ‘true giant’ of Labour

Sir Keir Starmer said Lord Prescott was a ‘true giant of the Labour movement’ and one of the ‘key architects’ of the last Labour government.

The Prime Minister released this statement below:

John Prescott dead aged 86: Former Deputy PM passes away after Alzheimer’s battle

Here’s our top story on the MailOnline website following the announcement Lord Prescott has died at the age of 86.

We’ve had tributes from Sir Keir Starmer and former prime minister Sir Tony Blair this morning.

Stick with us for the latest reaction and tributes over the course of the day.

Family statement – Representing Hull was his ‘greatest honour’

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’.

We are deeply saddened to inform you that our beloved husband, father and grandfather, John Prescott, passed away peacefully yesterday at the age of 86He 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 dies aged 86

Former deputy prime minister John Prescott has died aged 86 following a battle with Alzheimer’s, his family has announced.

The former trade union activist and ex-merchant seaman died “peacefully” and surrounded by relatives at his care home, they said.

Lord Prescott was a key 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.

His death marks the loss of a heavyweight of modern politics.

We will bring you the latest reaction and tributes from throughout the day.

Key UpdatesLord Prescott dies aged 86: Everything you need to know this afternoon

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The 20 most memorable John Prescott quotes

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Starmer pays tribute to Lord Prescott in Commons

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Watch: John Prescott’s cameo in Gavin and Stacey

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Watch: Moment John Prescott punched protester on campaign trail

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Gordon Brown – John Prescott will remain a legend of the Labour Party

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John Prescott’s unusual act when he first met King Charles

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John Prescott: A life in pictures

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How Blair responded to John Precott punching protester who threw egg at him

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Sir Tony Blair – He was one of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics… and definitely the most unusual

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Keir Starmer – Lord Prescott was ‘true giant’ of Labour

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Family statement – Representing Hull was his ‘greatest honour’

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John Prescott dies aged 86

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John Prescott death: Recap as ‘one-off’ Labour grandee who threw punch at protester dies aged 86 after battle with Alzheimer’s

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