John Prescott, the former British deputy prime minister and prominent Labour figure, has passed away at the age of 86. His family announced that he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones at his care home after battling Alzheimer’s disease.
Prescott was a key figure in Tony Blair’s New Labour movement and served as the longest-serving deputy prime minister in British history, holding office from 1997 to 2007. Known for his working-class roots and his strong advocacy for social justice, Prescott dedicated much of his life to improving the lives of others, particularly through environmental protection and labor rights.
Born in 1938 in Prestatyn, Wales, Prescott began his career as a merchant seaman before entering politics as a trade union activist. His most notable role was as a Member of Parliament for Kingston upon Hull, a position he held for four decades. In 2010, he was made a life peer in the House of Lords, taking the title of Lord Prescott of Kingston upon Hull.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with current Labour leader Keir Starmer calling him a “true giant of the Labour movement.” Tony Blair, devastated by his former deputy’s passing, praised Prescott’s intellect, loyalty, and unique political style, describing him as a crucial figure in Labour’s historic electoral victories.
During his tenure, Prescott was often at the center of key policy debates, handling sensitive issues such as transport, the environment, and the controversial Iraq War. Despite his staunch support for Blair, Prescott was critical of certain aspects of New Labour’s legacy and later defended Jeremy Corbyn during his leadership.
Prescott’s death marks the end of an era for the Labour Party, as he was widely regarded as one of its most influential and memorable figures.