UK's former deputy prime minister John Prescott dies

The UK's former deputy prime minister, John Prescott, has died aged 86.

His family said he had "spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment".

The former trade union activist and ex-merchant seaman died "peacefully" and surrounded by relatives at his care home, they said.

Mr Prescott was a key figure of Tony Blair's New Labour project, seen by many as custodian of the party's traditional values in the face of a modernising leadership.

In a statement released after his death, his wife Pauline and sons Johnathan and David said that representing the people of Hull had been "his greatest honour".

"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," they said.

"He did so surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery.

"John spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment, doing so from his time as a waiter on the cruise liners to becoming Britain's longest serving deputy prime minister."

Mr Prescott ceased to be a member of the House of Lords in July this year after facing health difficulties.

He had only spoken once in the chamber since suffering a stroke in 2019, official records show, and had not voted since February 2023.

Over a parliamentary career spanning more than half a century, Mr Prescott served for ten years as deputy prime minister after Labour's 1997 general election landslide.

At times short-tempered, he once famously punched a protester who threw an egg at him during an election campaign visit to North Wales in 2001.

But during much of his time in office, he acted as a mediator in the often turbulent relationship between Mr Blair and chancellor Gordon Brown.

He also oversaw the environment, transport and the regions, a brief which included helping to negotiate the international Kyoto Protocol on climate change.

He was a loyal supporter of Mr Blair in office but subsequently critical of parts of New Labour's legacy, denouncing Britain's involvement in the Iraq War.

He also strongly defended Jeremy Corbyn during his time as party leader in the face of fierce criticism.

Born in Prestatyn in Wales on 31 May 1938 the son of a railwayman, Mr Prescott left school at 15 to work as a trainee chef and then as a steward on the Cunard Line before entering politics.

In a private letter in 2007, Mr Blair said his former deputy's role "smoothing out problems, sorting out colleagues and trouble-shooting" had been an "integral part of getting things done".

The former prime minister said: "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 and above all, gave me a lot of fun. I was lucky to have you as my deputy."