Deputy prime minister John Prescott at the opening of the Bankside Pier in Southwark, south London.(Image: PA)

Former Deputy PM John Prescott passes away aged 86 after Alzheimer's battle

by · Derbyshire Live

Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has passed away at the age of 86 after a battle with Alzheimer's, his family confirmed.

The family highlighted his commitment to enhancing the lives of others by saying he "spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment".

Lord Prescott, a key figure head in Tony Blair's New Labour era and viewed as a guardian of the party's core principles amidst modernisation efforts, died 'peacefully' surrounded by family in his care home. Blair expressed being "devastated" upon hearing of his old ally's death, reports the Mirror.

After entering the House of Lords as Baron Prescott of Kingston upon Hull in 2010, he also leaves a legacy of 40 years representing Hull as an MP. In an emotional tribute, his wife Pauline and sons Johnathan and David 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. 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."

The family of Lord Prescott issued a statement: "John dearly loved his home of Hull and representing its people in Parliament for 40 years was his greatest honour. We would like to thank the amazing NHS doctors and nurses who cared for him after his stroke in 2019 and the dedicated staff at the care home where he passed away after latterly living with Alzheimer's."

The statement continued: "In lieu of flowers and if you wish to do so, you can donate to Alzheimer's Research UK. As you can imagine, our family needs to process our grief so we respectfully request time and space to mourn in private. Thank you."

Lord Prescott had stepped down as a member of the House of Lords in July due to health issues. He had made only one speech in the chamber since suffering a stroke in 2019 and had not voted since February 2023, according to official records.

Throughout his parliamentary career, which spanned over 50 years, Lord Prescott served as deputy prime minister for a decade following Labour's landslide victory in the 1997 general election. Although known for his short temper, he played a key role in mediating the often tumultuous relationship between Sir Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown.

As a cabinet member, Lord Prescott was responsible for the environment, transport, and the regions, which included his involvement in negotiating the Kyoto Protocol on climate change. Lord Prescott, a staunch supporter of Sir Tony during his tenure, later criticised aspects of New Labour's legacy, notably the UK's involvement in the Iraq War.

He also robustly defended Jeremy Corbyn amid intense criticism during his leadership of the party. Born on May 31, 1938, in Prestatyn, North Wales, to a railway worker, Lord Prescott left school at 15 to train as a chef before working as a steward on the Cunard Line and eventually entering politics.

In a private letter penned in 2007, Sir Tony praised his former deputy's role in "smoothing out problems, sorting out colleagues and trouble-shooting" as an "integral part of getting things done". The ex-PM wrote: "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."