John Prescott, the former British Deputy Prime Minister who played a pivotal role in the transformation of the Labour Party alongside Tony Blair, has passed away at the age of 86, his family confirmed on Thursday, November 21.
Prescott’s death on Wednesday was described as “peaceful,” and he was surrounded by his wife Pauline, his two sons, and the music of jazz artist Marian Montgomery.
“We are deeply saddened to inform you that our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, John Prescott, passed away yesterday at the age of 86,” the family statement read.
Prescott, a former merchant seaman, trade union activist, and Member of Parliament (MP) for Hull in northern England for 40 years, was one of the most recognizable figures of British politics in the late 20th century.
He became a key figure in the Labour Party’s shift to the political center during Blair’s leadership, with his working-class background acting as a balance to Blair’s more affluent upbringing.
Blair, who appointed Prescott as his deputy in 1997 after Labour’s sweeping victory in the general election, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss.
“There was no one quite like him in British politics,” Blair told BBC Radio.
“He was more than just a deputy prime minister – he was a force of nature.”
Prescott’s legacy was also honored by Keir Starmer, the current Labour leader, who called him “a true giant of the Labour movement.” Starmer praised Prescott’s tireless defense of working people and his work as a trade unionist.
“He was one of the key architects of a Labour government that transformed the lives of millions of people,” said Starmer.
“His legacy will live on well beyond his lifetime.”
Throughout his decade-long tenure as deputy prime minister, Prescott made his mark in various key areas, including the environment, transport, and social issues.
One of his most significant roles was leading Britain’s negotiations for the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.
Additionally, Prescott’s involvement in addressing regional inequalities and his passionate defense of working-class interests remained central to his work in government.
Blair, in a personal letter to Prescott in 2007, reflected on the deputy prime minister’s distinctive approach to politics, saying that Prescott’s “blend of charm and brutality” was instrumental in keeping the government together during a challenging period. “I was lucky to have you as my deputy,” Blair added.
Prescott, who was appointed to the House of Lords after stepping down as deputy prime minister in 2007, had been in poor health in recent years. He suffered a stroke in 2019 and had been living with Alzheimer’s disease. Due to his deteriorating health, he ceased to be a member of the House of Lords in July.
A colorful and candid figure in British politics, Prescott’s legacy extends beyond his political career. He will be remembered not only for his transformative work but also for his down-to-earth, no-nonsense style that resonated with ordinary working-class Britons.
Prescott’s death marks the end of an era for the Labour Party, which continues to evolve in the shadow of the changes he helped implement during his time in office. His family, while grieving their loss, take comfort in knowing that he left an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape.
