John Prescott dead: Former Deputy Prime Minister dies at 86 after Alzheimer’s battle

Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has passed away at the age of 86 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease, his family has confirmed. The family described him as someone who dedicated his life to improving the lives of others, advocating for social justice and environmental protection. Lord Prescott, a key figure in Sir Tony Blair’s New Labour project, peacefully passed away in his care home. He was known for his role in defending the traditional values of the Labour Party amidst a modernizing leadership.

A former merchant seaman and trade union activist, Lord Prescott represented Hull as an MP for 40 years, before being ennobled in 2010 and introduced to the House of Lords as Baron Prescott of Kingston upon Hull. His family, including wife Pauline and sons Johnathon and David, expressed their deep sadness at his passing and highlighted his dedication to serving the people of Hull. They thanked the NHS doctors and nurses who cared for him after a stroke in 2019 and the staff at the care home where he spent his final days battling Alzheimer’s.

Lord Prescott’s political career included serving as Deputy Prime Minister for 10 years after Labour’s 1997 election victory. He was known for mediating between Sir Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown and played a role in environmental negotiations, such as the Kyoto Protocol on climate change. Despite being a strong supporter of Sir Tony in office, Lord Prescott was critical of aspects of New Labour’s legacy, including the Iraq War. He also staunchly defended Jeremy Corbyn during his leadership of the party.

Born in 1938 in Prestatyn, North Wales, Lord Prescott left school at 15 to work in various roles before entering politics. Described by Sir Tony Blair as crucial in “smoothing out problems” and “getting things done,” Lord Prescott’s unique approach to leadership was a blend of charm and firmness. His passing marks the end of an era for British politics, with many remembering him for his contributions and dedication to public service.

Lord Prescott’s legacy will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to social justice, environmental protection, and serving the people of Hull. His passing is a loss to the political landscape in the UK, leaving behind a void that will be difficult to fill. As the nation mourns the loss of a political stalwart, his impact and influence will continue to be felt for years to come.