John Prescott dies aged 86 after battle with Alzheimer's as Tony Blair leads tributes

Lord Prescott, who served as Britain's longest-serving deputy prime minister under Tony Blair, died with his family by his side while listening to the jazz music of Marian Montgomery.

His wife Pauline and sons Johnathan and David confirmed his death in a statement, saying he had dedicated his life to improving the lives of others and fighting for social justice.

In their statement, the family said: "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."

"John spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment," they added.

The family highlighted that representing Hull in Parliament for 40 years was "his greatest honour."

They requested time and space to mourn in private, suggesting that those wishing to pay tribute could donate to Alzheimer's Research UK in lieu of flowers.

Lord Prescott served for 10 years as deputy prime minister following Labour's 1997 general election landslide.

He represented Hull for four decades in Parliament before being elevated to the House of Lords in 2010 as Baron Prescott of Kingston upon Hull.

As a key figure in Tony Blair's New Labour project, he was viewed by many as the custodian of the party's traditional values.

His role included overseeing environment, transport and the regions, where he helped negotiate the international Kyoto Protocol on climate change.

Though loyal to Blair in office, he later became critical of aspects of New Labour's legacy, particularly opposing Britain's involvement in the Iraq War.

Born in Prestatyn, Wales, in 1938 to a railwayman, Lord Prescott left school at 15 to work as a trainee chef.

He then served as a steward on the Cunard Line before entering politics and becoming a trade union activist.

His passionate temperament became legendary, most famously when he punched a protester who threw an egg at him during a 2001 election campaign visit to North Wales.

Throughout Blair's premiership, he played a crucial role as mediator between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown during their often turbulent relationship.

He was known for his direct approach and working-class roots, which helped bridge the gap between New Labour's modernising leadership and traditional Labour values.

Lord Prescott ceased to be a member of the House of Lords in July 2023 after facing health difficulties.

Following a stroke in 2019, he spoke only once in the upper chamber, according to official records.

His last vote in the Lords was recorded in February 2023.

The dedicated NHS doctors and nurses who cared for him after his stroke were praised by his family in their statement.

They also expressed gratitude to the care home staff who looked after him during his battle with Alzheimer's in his final days.

In a private letter from 2007, Tony Blair paid tribute to his former deputy's unique role in government.

"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," Blair wrote.

The former prime minister added: "I was lucky to have you as my deputy."

Blair particularly praised Prescott's effectiveness in "smoothing out problems, sorting out colleagues and trouble-shooting," describing it as "an integral part of getting things done."

Paying tribute to Prescott following this morning's announcement, Blair said there was “no-one quite like him in British politics”.

“He had a fantastic gut instinct about politics," he added.

Sir Keir Starmer also said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of John Prescott. John was a true giant of the Labour movement.

"On behalf of the Labour Party, I send my condolences to Pauline and his family, to the city of Hull, and to all those who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace."