King Charles and Tony Blair lead tributes to former deputy prime minister John Prescott

Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has passed away at the age of 86 after a struggle with Alzheimer's, with Sir Tony Blair honouring him as a "committed and loyal" public servant.

Lord Prescott's family announced his passing, highlighting that he had dedicated his life to enhancing the lives of others, advocating for social justice, and safeguarding the environment.

His contributions were also acknowledged by the King, who paid homage to his "decades of public service".

The former trade unionist and one-time merchant seaman passed away "peacefully" in the company of family members at his care home, according to his relatives.

Sir Tony Blair expressed being "devastated" by the news of Lord Prescott's death, describing him as "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."

Sir Tony added: "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."

Gordon Brown, who followed as Prime Minister, remembered Lord Prescott, a "former boxer", as pivotal in "key to holding the ring and keeping things together during difficult times such as over Iraq".

He added: "John Lennon said 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."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described Lord Prescott as a "true giant of the Labour movement" and one of the "key architects" of the last Labour government.

The King expressed his condolences, recalling Lord Prescott's "great fondness his unique and indomitable character, as well as his infectious sense of humour" and "great fondness his unique and indomitable character, as well as his infectious sense of humour".

He added: "My thoughts and greatest sympathy are with Lord Prescott’s wife, family and loved ones at such a difficult time, and I am sure that very many people will recognise and greatly appreciate Lord Prescott’s decades of public service in frontline politics, not least as the United Kingdom’s longest-serving deputy prime minister."

As a key figure in the New Labour project, Lord Prescott was seen as a champion of the party's traditional values amidst modernisation. He was ennobled in 2010 and introduced to the upper chamber as Baron Prescott of Kingston upon Hull, following four decades as an MP for the city.

In a statement, 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 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."

Former US vice president Al Gore, who worked with Lord Prescott on the Kyoto Protocol climate change agreement in 1997, said: "I had never worked with anyone in politics — on my side of the pond or his — quite like John Prescott".

Mr. Gore expressed his admiration and respect, saying: "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."

Lord Prescott stepped down as a member of the upper chamber in July due to health issues. He had spoken only once in the chamber since a stroke in 2019, according to official records, and hadn't cast a vote since February 2023.

With a distinguished parliamentary career that spanned over fifty years, Lord Prescott served as deputy prime minister for a decade following Labour's landslide victory in the 1997 general election. Not one to shy away from controversy, he memorably punched a protester who pelted him with an egg during an election campaign stop in North Wales back in 2001.

Craig Evans, the man behind the infamous egg throw, reflected on the incident Thursday, asserting that he had "no regrets" while extending his thoughts to the family of the late politician.

During his tenure, Lord Prescott often found himself in the role of peacemaker between Sir Tony and then-chancellor Gordon Brown amid their tumultuous dynamic. In addition to this, he commanded the wide-ranging brief of environment, transport, and regions, which notably involved negotiating the international Kyoto Protocol on climate change.

Although a staunch supporter of Sir Tony while in government, Lord Prescott has been openly critical of some aspects of the New Labour legacy after leaving office, especially criticising Britain's involvement in the Iraq War.

During his tenure, he staunchly defended Jeremy Corbyn as party leader amidst intense criticism. Born in Prestatyn, Wales, on May 31 1938, the son of a railwayman, Lord Prescott left school at 15 to work as a trainee chef and then as a steward on the Cunard Line before entering politics.

In a private letter penned in 2007, Sir Tony Blair praised his former deputy's role in "smoothing out problems, sorting out colleagues and trouble-shooting" as an "integral part of getting things done". The ex-prime minister stated: "The completely unique Prescott blend of charm and brutality – made always more effective by the unpredictability of which would be predominant – 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."

Lord Peter Mandelson, who often clashed with Lord Prescott while serving in Tony Blair’s government, disclosed that they had reconciled earlier this year over FaceTime.

Speaking on the Sky News Breakfast programme, former Hartlepool MP Lord Mandelson revealed: "He said, ‘I just want to say that I know it was difficult and we were bloody awful to you at times and I was, but actually you did good and I want to forgive you’. What am I being forgiven for here? It was just, ‘I want to forgive you because you did good. And I know it wasn’t easy at times and I know it was rough and I know I didn’t help but now I understand’.

"And I said, ‘John, that’s very kind of you. How do you suddenly understand this? ’. He said, ‘Oh well, somebody gave me this book of yours. I didn’t read it before. It looked very boring. But I’ve looked at it, I’ve dipped into it and I’ve seen what you went through... I feel rather sorry for you actually. And anyway, thanks very much’.

"It was a few minutes more.. but that was it. That was the last time I spoke to him."

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute by saying: "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.

"The Labour fraternity along with the trade unions will forever remember him for his conviction, courage, and impressive character. His fervour, dynamic presence, and pride in his working-class origins were central to his appeal - a genuineness that was acknowledged and admired across the political landscape and throughout the country.

"On behalf of the Labour Party, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to Pauline, his entire family, the city of Hull where he represented as MP for four decades, and to everyone who held him dear. May he rest in peace."

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