John Prescott, former UK deputy prime minister, dies aged 86

John Prescott, the former British deputy Prime Minister for a decade under Tony Blair and a key figure of the New Labour movement, has died aged 86.

Prescott died on Wednesday in a care home "surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery,” his family said. He had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. 

Known for his dedication to social justice, Prescott was an important figure in British politics, serving as deputy prime minister from 1997 to 2007. A former ship steward and trade unionist, Prescott brought working-class authenticity to Blair’s New Labour government. 

Blair called him “one of the most talented, committed, and loyal people I ever encountered in politics, and definitely the most unusual".

Born in Wales in 1938, Prescott left school at 15, later entering politics via the trade union movement. 

Representing his hometown Hull in parliament for more than 40 years, he was a proud advocate for working-class Britain, unapologetically enjoying life’s luxuries despite media criticism that nicknamed him “Two Jags” for owning two Jaguar cars. 

An amateur boxer, Prescott dominated the front pages during the 2001 general election where he punched a man who threw an egg at him at a campaigning event.

The incident briefly threatened to damage both the Labour Party and Prescott’s career. Yet Blair’s response — "John is John" — solidified Prescott’s reputation as a relatable figure. And the tabloids had a field day, labelling him with another nickname: "Two Jabs".

Prescott’s biggest achievements include co-negotiating the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on climate change alongside then-US Vice President Al Gore.

Gore praised him as an "unwavering champion of climate action", saying: "I’m forever grateful to John for his commitment to solving the climate crisis".

Prescott also played an important role in uniting New Labour’s factions, smoothing tensions between Blair and his Treasury chief Gordon Brown during critical moments, including Blair's decision to support the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. 

Brown, who succeeded Blair as prime minister, described Prescott as "a true working-class hero".

Prescott’s family said he spent his life “trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment.” Former colleagues, including Peter Mandelson, remembered him as the “cement that kept New Labour together".