John Prescott, Former Deputy Prime Minister of the UK, Dies at 86
Tributes Pour in for the New Labour Stalwart Known for His Unique Political Career
John Prescott, the former deputy prime minister of the United Kingdom and a key figure in the New Labour movement, has passed away at the age of 86.
Prescott, who had been suffering from Alzheimer’s, died peacefully at a care home on a Thursday morning, as confirmed by his family.
Serving under Tony Blair for over a decade, he played a significant role in the government and was known for upholding traditional Labour values against a backdrop of modernising influences.
Tony Blair described him as one of the most talented and committed politicians he knew, highlighting Prescott's unconventional nature and crucial influence.
Blair stated, "There were no rules he really abided by," acknowledging Prescott's role as a mediator between Blair and Gordon Brown.
Born to a railway signalman and having left school at 15, Prescott worked as a chef and steward before rising to the heights of British politics.
As secretary of state for the environment, transport, and the regions from 1997 to 2001, he led the UK's negotiations for the Kyoto Protocol.
His tenure earned him the nickname "Two Jags," and an altercation in 2001 with an egg-throwing protester dubbed him "Two Jabs."
Prescott's later years were marked by media scrutiny of his personal life, including an affair and his struggles with bulimia, which he disclosed in his autobiography.
He was appointed to the House of Lords in 2010 but retired from the chamber this July due to health reasons.
Political figures and former colleagues such as Gordon Brown, Peter Mandelson, and Al Gore paid tribute to Prescott.
Tony Blair remarked that the Labour Party's success in three consecutive elections was, in part, due to Prescott's contributions.
Former colleagues recounted anecdotes reflecting his straightforward yet profound approach to politics.
Prescott’s family expressed their grief, noting he was "surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery" at the time of his passing.
Prescott, who had been suffering from Alzheimer’s, died peacefully at a care home on a Thursday morning, as confirmed by his family.
Serving under Tony Blair for over a decade, he played a significant role in the government and was known for upholding traditional Labour values against a backdrop of modernising influences.
Tony Blair described him as one of the most talented and committed politicians he knew, highlighting Prescott's unconventional nature and crucial influence.
Blair stated, "There were no rules he really abided by," acknowledging Prescott's role as a mediator between Blair and Gordon Brown.
Born to a railway signalman and having left school at 15, Prescott worked as a chef and steward before rising to the heights of British politics.
As secretary of state for the environment, transport, and the regions from 1997 to 2001, he led the UK's negotiations for the Kyoto Protocol.
His tenure earned him the nickname "Two Jags," and an altercation in 2001 with an egg-throwing protester dubbed him "Two Jabs."
Prescott's later years were marked by media scrutiny of his personal life, including an affair and his struggles with bulimia, which he disclosed in his autobiography.
He was appointed to the House of Lords in 2010 but retired from the chamber this July due to health reasons.
Political figures and former colleagues such as Gordon Brown, Peter Mandelson, and Al Gore paid tribute to Prescott.
Tony Blair remarked that the Labour Party's success in three consecutive elections was, in part, due to Prescott's contributions.
Former colleagues recounted anecdotes reflecting his straightforward yet profound approach to politics.
Prescott’s family expressed their grief, noting he was "surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery" at the time of his passing.
