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Lord John Prescott, a significant Labour politician and former deputy prime minister, has passed away at the age of 86. Best known for his candid, no-nonsense approach, Lord Prescott served as Sir Tony Blair’s devoted deputy for ten years following Labour’s sweeping victory in the 1997 general election. Alongside many tributes paid in the wake of his death, Sir Tony described himself as “devastated” by the loss of his friend, emphasizing that there was “nobody quite like him in British politics”.
Lord Prescott passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, after residing in a care home in recent years due to Alzheimer’s. As a testament to his character, his wife and children fondly remember him spending his final moments listening to Marian Montgomery’s jazz music. Speaking to Today on BBC Radio 4, Sir Tony recalls speaking with Lord Prescott via video call in recent times and being delighted to find that he was still “lively and punchy” as ever. He affirmed that Lord Prescott reached a part of the electorate that he couldn’t and was a “loyal, committed, and an enormous help” as his deputy.
Lord Prescott’s passing has spurred a wealth of emotional and heartfelt tributes, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer calling him a “true giant” of the Labour movement, and his successor and former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, hailing him as a “working-class hero” and a “colossus”. Lord Prescott served as a peacemaker between Sir Tony and Brown, often referred to as their “marriage counselor,” owing to his crucial role in helping them work together effectively.
Several key figures in UK politics have honored his memory, including Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who shares Lord Prescott’s trade union background. According to Rayner, Lord Prescott was “not only a Labour legend but an inspiration” to her. Former cabinet member Lord Mandelson, an important contributor to the New Labour movement, referred to him as an “all-time great” of his party. Lord Prescott was well-known for his fighting spirit for working people, and his tireless work to provide opportunities for others.
Lord Prescott’s career spanned over five decades, beginning with his election in 1970 as the MP for Hull East and holding the seat for nearly 40 years. He joined the shadow cabinet as transport spokesman in 1983 before becoming Sir Tony’s deputy, and eventually served as deputy prime minister from 1997. He led a department responsible for transport, environment, and the regions, where he notably served as a negotiator in the Kyoto Protocol climate change treaty.
Despite his nickname “Two Jags,” which emerged after it became public knowledge that he owned two Jaguars, Lord Prescott worked hard in his role to encourage the public to opt for public transportation over cars. He retired from the Commons in 2010 and accepted a peerage, having once stated that he would not accept such a role. Nonetheless, he defended his decision, emphasizing that it would allow him to continue working on environmental policy.
In conclusion, Lord Prescott’s legacy is that of a man who dedicated his life to improving the lives of others, fighting for social justice, environmental protection, and more. His genuine personality and authentic self have left a profound impact on the UK’s political landscape, and he will be remembered fondly by his loved ones, peers, and the wider public
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