John Prescott, UK's Longest-Serving Deputy PM and Labour Stalwart, Dies at 86 After Alzheimer's Battle

Nov 21, 2024, 07:12 AM

John Prescott, the UK's longest-serving Deputy Prime Minister and a significant figure in Tony Blair's Labour government, has died at the age of 86 following a battle with Alzheimer's disease. Born in North Wales, Prescott passed away peacefully in his care home, surrounded by loved ones and to the sound of jazz music. He served as MP for Kingston upon Hull East for nearly 40 years and was pivotal in Labour's return to power in 1997. Known by the nickname 'Two Jags' and recognized for his straight-talking and sometimes controversial style, he was a key architect of Labour's modernisation project, bridging traditional and New Labour factions. A former ocean liner waiter and trade unionist, Prescott was instrumental in environmental initiatives, including spearheading the Kyoto Protocol. He also played a vital role in settling the MV Derbyshire claim, helping vindicate the families of the lost ship. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with Tony Blair expressing devastation at the loss of "one of the most talented people" he had encountered in politics, adding "There was no one quite like him in British politics." Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed him as a "true giant of the Labour movement." Prescott's legacy includes his unwavering commitment to working-class representation and his memorable political career, which included an infamous incident in 2001 when he punched a protester who threw an egg at him.