'Labour giant John Prescott has set a path that I am proud to follow'

'Becoming Deputy PM was the proudest day of John Prescott's life - not because of the status he had achieved, but because of the change he was about to deliver,' writes Angela Rayner

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.

Becoming Deputy Prime Minister was the proudest day of his life. Not because of the status he had achieved, but because of the change he was about to deliver.

John knew that the point of the Labour Party was to win power to improve lives. He set a path that I am proud to follow. The record he leaves as Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State in the Labour government after 1997 will be his lasting legacy to communities across Britain and the world.

The delivery of economic and social regeneration of our nations and regions. His foresight on the cause of devolution. He revived British cities and led the refurbishment of thousands of council homes. He completed the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, breathed life back into villages and towns affected by the closure of mines, and achieved the most significant environment treaty that had ever been negotiated. He used the power of his office to deliver practical change.

The Labour Party could never have won three consecutive full terms without John and we all owe him a debt of gratitude. A giant of the labour movement and loyal friend, he stayed faithful to his politics and 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. He was a dear friend of mine and used to call me after PMQs every time I deputised.

When John smiled his whole face smiled. When I saw him after I was made Deputy Prime Minister earlier this year he was so happy for me. It’s a memory I’ll take with me.

John Prescott was a one-off and we will forever be grateful for the contribution he made to our movement and our country. I will miss him greatly and I know I’m not alone. All our thoughts and prayers are with Pauline, David, Johnathan and the rest of his family.