Lord Prescott was a key figure of Sir Tony Blair’s New Labour project, and seen by many as custodian of the party’s traditional values in the face of a modernising leadership.
A pugnacious figure who once famously punched a protester who threw an egg at him, Prescott also often acted as a mediator in the often turbulent relationship between Blair and chancellor Gordon Brown.
Prescott said of the infamous punch in 2019: "When you get to being 80, you’re not scared of anything. I’ve got four or five years to think about death. When I do die, after 50 years in politics, all they will show on the news is 60 seconds of me thumping a fellow in Wales."
In a tribute, Blair said he was "devastated" by Prescott's death and said there was "no one quite like him in British politics".
Prescott was the deputy prime minister from May 1997 until June 2007 and the MP for Hull East from 1970-2010. His straight-talking approach was admired by the public, but also saw him get into numerous heated debates, qualities that would occasionally see him get into hot water with the press and the public.
Blair said his former deputy would “deservedly occupy a special place in the pantheon of the Labour leadership”, adding: “He was one of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics; one of the most committed and loyal; and definitely the most unusual.”
Deputy prime minister John Prescott, pictured in 1998 – a year after Labour's landslide victory. (PA)
Born in Wales to working-class parents, Prescott worked as a chef and then in the merchant navy before achieving a diploma in economics and politics from Ruskin College in the 1960s.
He was elected an MP in 1970 and by the end of the decade was a prominent spokesman on the opposition frontbench, especially when it came to transport.
When Blair became leader after the death of John Smith in 1994, Prescott was the first pick to become his deputy – his previous two attempts at standing were unsuccessful – and then became deputy PM after the landslide victory of 1997.
Prescott became a key link between the Old Labour voters and the government’s New Labour stance – with one of his most hailed achievements being his heavy involvement in the Kyoto Protocol, the most significant environmental treaty ever negotiated.
Having worked tirelessly alongside US vice president Al Gore to achieve an agreement on the agreement, Prescott later said that the Kyoto Protocol was the greatest achievement in his career. He was also known in his parliamentary for empowering local communities.
Former colleague Brown also paid tribute to Prescott, saying: “John Lennon said the working class hero is a difficult thing to be, but I think John would be just fine with being remembered that way."
Yahoo News's live coverage of the reaction to John Prescott's death has finished. Go to our homepage for the latest news, or read more below about the colourful life of one of the UK's most significant - and memorable - politicians in recent decades and the tributes paid to him from across the political spectrum.
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Labour Party's tribute to 'giant' of the movement
The Labour Party has posted a touching tribute on its official X account to what it called "a giant of the movement".
John Prescott was a giant of the Labour movement.
As Deputy Leader and Deputy Prime Minister he served our party and our country with distinction.
The Labour Party sends deepest condolences to Pauline, John’s family, and everyone who knew and loved him.
Former Conservative leader William Hague has shared a video of encounters with John Prescott in the House of Commons.
In the clip, Hague and Prescott can be seen sparring about council tax; Prescott’s sometimes mangled use of language; the moment he punched a member of the public; and the high turnover in Conservative Party leaders.
Earlier on Wednesday, Hague paid tribute to Prescott saying he could “never really get the better” of Prescott during PMQs, adding the late politician would have become prime minister “in a different era”.
Speaking to the Sky News Breakfast programme, Lord Hague said: I could never really get the better of John Prescott because he had such a great sense of humour and he would give such direct answers.
Blair recalls Prescott’s infamous punch: ‘There were no rules he abided by’
John Prescott is surrounded by protesters after being hit by an egg in the North Wales seaside resort of Rhyl.
John Prescott had a storied political career – but his most memorable moment was arguably when he punched a protester on the election trail in 2001.
The then deputy prime minister, who died on Wednesday, was in the Welsh town of Rhyl for a campaign event when he was met by hecklers urging Labour not to ban fox hunting.
Recalling the incident on Thursday, Sir Tony told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “There were no rules that he really abided by. I feel a huge sense of loss, because it wasn’t just a political relationship – I had a profound affection for him.”
John Prescott's Desert Island Discs episode remembered
Former Labour Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has passed away at the age of 86 and his appearance on the BBC Radio 4 show Desert Island Discs has picked up some attention as a result.
Lord Prescott appeared on the programme in February 2012 and talked about his life with presenter Kirsty Young.
Topics that were brought up included the impact that failing the school 11+ exam had on him and living in a highly political home. Additionally, he speaks of his debt to his wife Pauline and how for many years of their marriage he underestimated her.
Prescott and Tony Blair share a joke during a reception in Downing Street in 2007.
John Prescott, who was an MP for Kingston upon Hull East for 40 years, suffered from a number of health conditions throughout his life: in 1990, he was diagnosed with diabetes; in 2007 he had a bout of pneumonia; he suffered from bulimia for over 20 years, and in 2019, he had a stroke.
As tributes to the Labour figure pour in, let’s take a look at the ups and downs of Prescott’s long career, via the Evening Standard.
Stuart Henderson
Prescott was tenacious, says Blunkett
John Prescott and David Blunkett pictured in 1995. (Getty)
Former home secretary David Blunkett, who served in Tony Blair’s cabinet alongside John Prescott, described him as “tenacious, sometimes furious and always committed”.
In a statement on X, he wrote: “It is often said that someone is a ‘once off’. But in John’s case, it was absolutely true. Tenacious, sometimes furious, always committed and totally loyal to the Labour cause.
“Elements in our own background meant that sometimes we clashed like two stags locking horns, but always out of commitment to the cause to which we gave our lives.
“Last time I saw John in person, he poked me in the chest with his stick, and we hugged."
Stuart Henderson
Prescott's clash with Jeremy Clarkson remembered
John Prescott sparred with Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear.
After the news of his death spread, an interview with former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson resurfaced on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Back in 2011, Prescott was a guest on the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment of the popular BBC2 show.
Prescott was booed when he made his entrance and on more than one occasion got to his feet to remonstrate with the Top Gear audience following Clarkson's provocation.
Kemi Badenoch expresses condolences to a 'true patriot'
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has described John Prescott as a “titan of British politics” who “connected with the electorate during the 2001 general election”.
Badenoch told the Commons: “May I take the opportunity to express my heartfelt condolences on behalf of me and my party on the death of Lord Prescott.
“He was a titan of British politics in the 1990s, one of this country’s greatest examples of social mobility, and a true patriot – no one who had two jags could not love this country.
“And we all especially remember that moment when he connected with the electorate during the 2001 general election. Many of us, all across the country, and the public, were very much on his side during that altercation.”
Stuart Henderson
‘Titan’ John Prescott an inspiration to working class boys and girls
John Prescott has been remembered in the House of Commons as a “titan” of British politics who inspired working class boys and girls.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle led tributes to the former Labour deputy prime minister who died aged 86 after, according to his family, “latterly living with Alzheimer’s”.
Sir Lindsay told the House: “John served the people of Hull for 40 years as a member of this House, 10 of them as deputy prime minister.
John Prescott a Labour Club in Barry, south Wales. (Getty)
Tributes have poured in for the former politician John Prescott who has died aged 86, and as the tributes from across the political spectrum continue to flow, this ‘titan’ of British political history touched nearly every corner of the UK including Newport, and the South Wales Argus, once telling one of our journalists to ‘bugger’ off.
The crucial exchange came when Mark [Choueke] asked: “Are you too big for the regional press now John?” Lord Prescott replied: “Bugger off – get on your bus you amateur.”
John Prescott with Tony Blair and John Major in 1997. (Getty)
Two more political heavyweights from John Prescott's era have shared their thoughts about the talismanic Labour figure.
Former Conservative prime minister Sir John Major said he was “an utterly authentic politician whose views came from personal experience, not political expediency”.
He added: “He never lost sight of the causes that first motivated him into politics, and remained a passionate advocate for all he believed – even if that meant the odd tussle with colleagues along the way.
“Although a political opponent, I much admired him as a man who never betrayed his core instincts. He was, in essence, a deep down genuine politician. The public saw that – and respected him for it.”
Former Labour Party leader Lord Kinnock described Prescott as a “political innovator” and an “essential figure” in politics. “John wouldn’t want me to pretend that we always agreed – but it was to his credit that after a dispute he would sustain his commitment to the party and to the project of change."
Stuart Henderson
Prescott was an inspiration, says Rayner
The Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner has also shared a picture of her with Prescott, saying: John was not only a Labour legend but an inspiration to me and a dear friend. He will be greatly missed by so many."
I am deeply saddened by the news of John Prescott’s death.
John was not only a Labour legend but an inspiration to me and a dear friend. He will be greatly missed by so many.
My thoughts and prayers are with Pauline and the rest of his family. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/QL43Ip2fXN
Much has been made of John Prescott's ability to connect with working class voters.
Many politicians have fallen foul of trying to demonstrate such credentials (most memorably William Hague's claim that he downed 14 pints a day), but Prescott appeared to have a way with voters that made it more natural.
One famous incident showed Prescott, campaigning to be leader of the party in 1994, drink a pint of beer in a handful of seconds.
Gordon Brown opens up on John Prescott’s final few months in his battle against Alzheimer’s
Former prime minister Gordon Brown has paid tribute to Lord John Prescott as he opened up about his final few months, saying he never lost his “warmth and friendliness”.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4 Today, Mr Brown said: “I’ve talked to John over these last few months when he had declining health.
“What was amazing was how he dealt with his Alzheimer’s, he always knew who you were but just wasn’t sure what to say."
A former York MP has paid tribute to the "razor-sharp" mind of John Prescott.
Hugh Bayley - Labour's York Central MP from 1992 to 2015 - ... said: "We stopped the Treasury’s attempt to take over the railway pension funds, and predicted the financial problems which have dogged both private train operating companies and private ownership of track and infrastructure.
"He had a reputation as a bruiser, but actually had a razor-sharp mind."
How the ‘Prescott Punch’ came to define him as Labour’s firebrand
Prescott pictured in 1974 at his office in London. (PA, Getty)
John Prescott was born in Prestatyn, a North Wales seaside town, in 1938.
The family moved to Rotherham when he was five, and five years later to Chester. His parents were Labour activists; his father was a railwayman and a Labour councillor. Of the three Prescott children, only John did not pass the 11 plus for a grammar school.
The failure left a scar. He left his local secondary modern school in Ellesmere Port at the age of 15, worked in the hotel trade and at the age of 17 became a merchant seaman with Cunard Lines.
Employers and his union regarded him as a troublemaker and he was thrown off ship a number of times.
A number of senior political figures past and present have been paying tribute to John Prescott this morning, after his family announced his death after suffering from Alzheimer's for a number of years at 6am.
Among those to pay tribute was Tony Blair, alongside whom Prescott played a key role in sweeping Labour to power in 1997 and staying there for more than a decade.
Blair said he was "devastated" at Prescott's death and that he would "deservedly occupy a special place in the pantheon of the Labour leadership".
Blair's successor, Gordon Brown, said “former boxer” Prescott was “key to holding the ring and keeping things together during difficult times such as over Iraq”.
Prescott is often considered to have played a key "marriage counsellor" role between the feuding Blair and Brown over the years.
Elsewhere. Sir Keir Starmer said Prescott was a “true giant of the Labour movement” and one of the “key architects” of the last Labour government.
John Prescott's wife Pauline was 'incredibly loyal'
A picture posted by Prescott's family announcing his death on Wednesday. (PA)
Announcing his death at 6am this morning, his family posted a picture of Prescott with his wife, Pauline, seemingly taken on Prescott’s 82nd birthday.
In the statement, his wife and two sons - David and Jonathan - 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.
Prescott married Pauline, who is 85, in 1961.
Gordon Brown recalled in a tribute on Wednesday having talked to Prescott over the past few months “when he had declining health”, and said: “Alzheimer’s is a terrible thing, but he never lost this warmth and friendliness which he showed at all times during private conversations.”
Brown also praised Pauline, “who stood by him during these difficult times”, describing her as "incredibly loyal to John”.
In April 2006, Prescott suffered personal humiliation when the Daily Mirror disclosed that he had been conducting a two-year affair with one of his secretaries. Pauline was said to have been devastated.
However, in 2008, the nation saw a different side of the Prescotts when the pair appeared in a BBC2 series entitled Prescott: The Class System and Me. The documentary was a hit, with Pauline playing the starring role.
John Prescott and his wife Pauline at the Brighton Race Course in 1997. (PA)
Stuart Henderson
Cameron hails Prescott's 'enormous impact'
David Cameron is another political heavyweight to pay tribute to John Prescott.
The former Conservative prime minister described Prescott as having "an enormous impact on our country, our politics and the Labour Party over many years; he will be hugely missed".
We might have had different political views, but there is no doubting John Prescott's impact on British politics over four decades and more.
John was a heavyweight of the Labour movement and a huge figure of our politics during the 1990s and 2000s. A deeply committed, loyal and…
Prescott fought like hell for climate change, says Al Gore
Former US vice president Al Gore worked with John Prescott on the Kyoto Protocol. (Getty)
One of the first top pay tribute earlier this morning was former US vice president Al Gore, who worked with John Prescott on the Kyoto Protocol climate change agreement in 1997.
Gore said he had “never worked with anyone in politics — on my side of the pond or his — quite like John Prescott”.
He added: “He possessed an inherent ability to connect with people about the issues that mattered to them — a talent that others spend years studying and cultivating, but that was second nature to him.
“He fought like hell to negotiate the Kyoto Protocol and was an unwavering champion of climate action for decades to come. I’m forever grateful to John for that commitment to solving the climate crisis and will miss him as a dear friend.”
Stuart Henderson
Prescott 'was impossible to work with'
Lord Peter Mandelson said Lord Prescott was “absolutely impossible” to work with but “at the end of the day he wanted to make it work”.
Speaking to the Sky News Breakfast programme, he said: “He was absolutely impossible. When I say he was sort of courageous, he was. When I say he was loyal, he was. When I say he was determined, he was.
"He was always determined to get his own way on any particular issue at any given moment. Right up until the point he’d say, ‘OK, I’ll do this for you. You do this for me. As long as you cover this off I’ll happily go along with it.’
"But at the end of the day he wanted it to work and the way in which he made it work was by being incredibly difficult for days on end and then finally sealing it, making work, agreeing it and off we went.”
The Seafarer’s Charity has also paid tribute to Lord John Prescott, who was an ex-merchant seaman, praising his support for the Headscarf Revolutionaries’ campaign.
The Headscarf Revolutionaries were four women from Hull who took on the fishing industry and government to fight for safety improvements following the sinking of three trawlers in 1968.
In a statement on X a spokesperson for the charity said: “We’re saddened to hear of John Prescott’s passing. A former MP for Hull, Deputy PM, Merchant Mariner, and Union Rep, he supported the Headscarf Revolutionaries’ campaign to improve #FishingSafety laws – saving countless lives.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
We're saddened to hear of John Prescott's passing. A former MP for Hull, Deputy PM, Merchant Mariner, and Union Rep, he supported the Headscarf Revolutionaries' campaign to improve #FishingSafety laws - saving countless lives.
Jeremy Corbyn pays tribute to Prescott's 'personal and political support'
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has spoken of Lord Prescott’s “endless warmth and iconic wit” and praised him for his “personal and political support”.
In a statement on X, Corbyn said: “I am really sad to hear that John Prescott has passed away.
“John was a huge figure and personality, from his seafaring union days to the highest offices in Government.
“I will be forever grateful for his personal and political support in the 2017 and 2019 elections. His endless warmth and iconic wit were loved on the campaign trail.
“My deepest sympathies to John’s family at their loss. He will be greatly missed."
Prescott staunchly defended Corbyn during his time as party leader in the face of fierce criticism, including during an episode of Question Time in 2018.
"In 50 years in parliament, I have to say, this is the dirtiest slur I've seen against any politician" @johnprescott says the stories in the press about Jeremy Corbyn are 'unacceptable' #bbcqtpic.twitter.com/pcDFIROMRg
Many people never saw his warmth, says Gordon Brown
Gordon Brown and John Prescott at a Scottish Labour Party election campaign event in 2017. (Getty)
Former prime minister Gordon Brown has described the late Lord Prescott as a “warm and friendly” man.
Speaking on his private interactions with the former deputy prime minister, who died aged 86 at his care home following a battle with Alzheimer’s, Brown told the BBC Prescott was “warm” and “friendly”, adding that he “would always say what he thought, but he wouldn’t do it in a vicious or angry way”.
Brown recalled having talked to Prescott over these last few months “when he had declining health”, and said: “Alzheimer’s is a terrible thing, but he never lost this warmth and friendliness which he showed at all times during private conversations.”
“It was a warmth that people never quite saw because they saw him as a trade unionist with uncompromising toughness – when in fact he was gentle and generous in real life.”
Stuart Henderson
Speaker leads tributes from parliament
Sir Lindsay Hoyle has led Commons tributes to Lord Prescott.
The Commons speaker said: “John served the people of Hull for 40 years as a member of this House, 10 of them as deputy prime minister.
“He was a towering figure in the Labour trade union movement and a campaigner for workers. A fearless, loyal, active, unionist and dedicated parliamentarian – an advocate for his constituents.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Pauline and family. There will be an opportunity for the House to pay fuller tributes next week.”
Stuart Henderson
I could never get better of Prescott, says Hague
John Prescott and William Hague pictured in 1998 at the Parliamentarian of the Year ceremony. (Getty)
Former Conservative Party leader Lord William Hague said he could “never really get the better” of Lord John Prescott during PMQs, adding the late politician would have become prime minister “in a different era”.
Speaking to the Sky News Breakfast programme, Hague said: “I could never really get the better of John Prescott because he had such a great sense of humour and he would give such direct answers.
“Even though the perfectly constructed sentence was not his thing, he really could give an answer, hit back with lots of good jokes.
“When I came back to deputise for David Cameron in parliament he would say, ‘the Tories have got through so many leaders they’ve gone back to the beginning again’ and ‘they’ve gone so green they’re recycling all their leaders’.
“And this would really carry the House of Commons. It was really difficult actually to get top side of him.
“In a different era, in a different decade, he would’ve become the prime minister actually, not just the deputy prime minister."
Stuart Henderson
Prescott's testy exchange with Ian Hislop on Have I Got News For You
John Prescott on Have I Got News For You in 2015. (BBC)
Among Prescott’s many causes, he was also a high-profile support of reforming the press. This was brought up in a testy exchange during a 2015 appearance of Have I Got News For You.
Prescott faced tough questioning from Private Eye editor Ian Hislop about his role in the Leveson Inquiry and the media’s interest in his private life. Hislop teased: “John, you’re one of the people who’s been most vocal in calling for press regulation. How do you think that’s going?” Prescott responded, “It’s going fine,” defending the need for press accountability.
Hislop then asked: “Are you still involved in any sort of… personal tabloid stories?” referencing Prescott’s affair with his secretary. Prescott shot back, “You have no idea what it’s like, Ian,” before adding, “I don’t regret what happened, but I regret how the press behaved.”
The tension escalated as Hislop quipped, “I suppose you could argue you’ve had a public life and a private life.” Prescott retorted: “I don’t think it’s for people like you to judge.” Panellist Paul Merton said the pair should go in a room and “the one that comes out alive is the winner”.
Prescott, giving Hislop a death stare, coldly said: “I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.”
Stuart Henderson
Prescott an all-time favourite politician, says Piers Morgan
Piers Morgan, one of the many journalists to have a run-in with John Prescott, has paid tribute to the "uncompromising, principled, hilarious & brilliant" former Labour deputy PM.
Morgan's heated exchange occurred in 2016 and concerned Jeremy Corbyn's re-election as Labour leader.
Discussing a report of Corbyn's victory as a "catastrophe", Morgan started to say.
“With great respect Lord Prescott, you were…,” but was interrupted by Prescott, who said. “Hang on, hang on. Are you going to insult me now. When you use the word respect, you always lead in something else. What is it?”
“Alright, sunshine come on bring it on,” Morgan replied.
“Come on then, come on then,” Prescott said.
“I'm glad you're not within punching distance,” Morgan retorted.
RIP John Prescott, 86. One of my all-time favourite politicians. Pugnacious, uncompromising, principled, hilarious & brilliant… he loved a good dust-up, especially with journalists. But as our Life Stories interview showed, ‘Prezza’ was a warm, kind, smart and decent man too. pic.twitter.com/JhibbqKIa7
BBC presenter Nick Robinson has shared a story of Prescott's infamous use of the English language, which sometimes made he hard to understand what he was trying to say.
Robinson posted on X: "Prescott once stumbled in an interview with me getting confused about what he was trying to say. “Oh, I made that crap” he said “can we go again?”
My reply “We are, in fact, live Deputy Prime Minister”.
At the end of the interview we both laughed so much it hurt.
Robinson added: "Prescott was Tony Blair’s shield, salesman & conscience - the Northern, working class, party loyalist who allowed the public school educated son of an aspiring Conservative MP to re-make his party. Prescott was the Labour in New Labour."
Sad to think we’ll never see or hear John Prescott again. He fought for what he believed in, never forgot who he was in politics to serve & always put a smile on the face of those he was talking to.
All they will show is 60 seconds of me thumping a fellow when I die
Prescott was a political giant, but he will also forever be remembered for one of the most famous punches by a politician.
In 2001, Prescott was in Wales greeting the public – at a time when some were protesting the Labour government’s policies on issues like fuel taxes and their handling of public services. One protester threw an egg, directly hitting Prescott in the face.
While most politicians may have walked away with their minders, Prescott did not flinch when he immediately punched the egg-thrower, leading to a scuffle in front of the cameras.
Speaking about the incident in 2019, Prescott said he had only been in “two or three fights”. However, he conceded that after 50 years in politics “all they will show on the news is 60 seconds of me thumping a fellow in Wales”.
Former British Deputy PM John Prescott dies at 86.
In 2001, someone hit him with an egg. Prescott responded with a perfectly timed jab. pic.twitter.com/kx5oc8uW9v
Tony Blair with Prescott pictured in 1995. (Getty)
John Prescott was a merchant seaman who dropped out of school but thrived in politics by bringing working-class credibility to the modernising government of former British prime minister Tony Blair as his deputy.
Blair had abandoned much of Labour's socialist dogma and depended on Prescott to shore up the financial and political backing the party traditionally received from trade unions.
"We are all middle class now," Prescott said weeks before Labour claimed the first of an unprecedented three successive general election victories.
Read the full profile of Prescott's contribution to the Labour government from AFP here
Stuart Henderson
Prescott's unexpected Gavin and Stacey cameo
John Prescott unexpectedly popped up in one of the BBC's biggest hit shows in 2010 when he appeared in a cameo role in hit show Gavin And Stacey.
Ruth Jones’ character Nessa Jenkins regularly recalled her sexual liaisons with celebrities such as Nigel Havers, members of Welsh comedy hip hop group Goldie Lookin Chain – and Prescott.
In the final episode of the third series, Prescott arrives as a guest at Nessa’s wedding as she prepared to tie the knot with fiance Dave Coaches, played by Steffan Rhodri.
He can be seen entering the church and congratulating Dave, to which he replies: “Cheers John, nice to see you.”
I always loved the bit in Gavin and Stacey where John Prescott arrives at Ness and Dave’s wedding. pic.twitter.com/yuSAAqzkNk
John Prescott with Harriet Harman and Ian Austin in 2010 on the election campaign trail. (Getty)
Former MP Harriet Harman, who succeeded Lord Prescott as deputy Labour leader said he was a “huge figure in bringing Labour back into government”.
In a statement Ms Harman said: “RIP John Prescott. A huge figure in bringing Labour back into government.
“He reassured Labour traditionalists that there was a place for them in New Labour. And made sure there was. A combative unifier who outsmarted those who underestimated him. Sympathy to Pauline and his family.”
Stuart Henderson
Rachel Reeves 'incredibly saddened' by Prescott's death
The chancellor Rachel Reeves has said she was “incredibly saddened” and described Prescott as an “icon of the Labour movement”.
Reeves said Prescott “helped deliver a transformational government”.
I am incredibly saddened about the news of John Prescott’s death.
He was an icon of the Labour movement and helped deliver a transformational government. He will be deeply missed.
Notorious moment at 1998 BRIT Awards with Chumbawumba
Chumbawamba at the 1996 BRIT Awards before the incident with Prescott. (Getty)
Perhaps one of the most infamous Prescott moments came during the 1998 Brit Awards.
Chumbawamba, a fiercely political group who had achieved mainstream success in the previous year, performed their hit Tubthumping.
The band were angry at the Labour government's refusal to support the Liverpool dockworkers' strike, and changed the lyrics to include “New Labour sold out the dockers, just like they'll sell out the rest of us”.
Singer Danbert Nobacon later ventured into the audience and poured a jug of water over Prescott, who was sitting with his wife. Prescott did not respond but he was clearly furious and months later admitted that he was on the verge of hitting back.
He told The Big Issue in 1998: "For a moment it went through my mind that I would have liked to put my foot on his b****y throat but the photographers would have seen it. I would have been destroyed."
Stuart Henderson
Prescott's unusual encounter with Prince Charles
Prince Charles and John Prescott in 2005. (Getty)
John Prescott was certainly one of the more colourful political characters of the 1990s and 2000s – and this extended to his encounters with royalty, too.
According to the Guardian, Tony Blair recounted in his autobiography a particularly unusual conversation with the then Prince Charles about his colleague.
"Does he ever do that thing with you?... when he's sitting opposite you, he slides down the seat with his legs apart, his crotch pointing a little menacingly, and balances his teacup and saucer on his tummy. It's very odd. I've never seen someone do that before. What do you think it means?"
Blair replied: "I don't think it means anything, really."
But the prince responded: "Hmm. You don't think it's a sort of gesture or sign of hostility or class enmity or something?"
Blair: "No, I think he just likes drinking his tea that way."
Stuart Henderson
Prescott was 'a legend', says Commons leader
What a legend. Not only was John Prescott one of the best campaigners of our movement, he put the issues of climate change and real levelling up across regions at the top of political agenda long before they were fashionable. He was ground-breaking. And huge fun. RIP pic.twitter.com/k8HQVjMQMb
Sharing a photo of John Prescott pulling a pint, leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell said he was a “legend”.
Powell highlighted Prescott’s political achievements but ended her post on X saying he was “huge fun”.
Stuart Henderson
Gordon Brown says Prescott achieved 'heroic status'
Gordon Brown and John Prescott on the election campaign trail in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. (Getty)
Paying tribute to Lord Prescott, former prime minister Gordon Brown said: “Few achieve something akin to heroic status in their own lifetime, particularly when having to deal with the compromises of being in government, but John Prescott became – and will remain – a legend of the Labour Party: self-educated, passionate in his beliefs, courageous in the causes he adopted, and despite an outwardly deceptive image of uncompromising toughness, he was generous believing in the good in everyone – even the person he famously punched during a general election campaign of course in self-defence.
“He not only rose from waiter and cabin steward, through Oxford’s Ruskin College, to the positions of deputy Labour leader and deputy prime minister, but often forgotten are his achievements: with Al Gore the moving force behind the first agreement on the environment at Kyoto, the pioneer of modern regional policy which paved the way for devolution and elected mayors, and the housing minister who repaired and improved 1.4 million homes.
“He was a titan. Between 1997 and 2007 helping John Smith and Tony Blair reform the Labour Party to make it electable, and then the former boxer was key to holding the ring and keeping things together during difficult times such as over Iraq."
Stuart Henderson
Blair says Prescott one of the most talented people I've ever met
In a lengthy statement on X, Tony Blair said of John Prescott:
"Although we all knew that the end was approaching and was inevitable, I am devastated by John’s passing. He was one of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics; one of the most committed and loyal; and definitely the most unusual.
"There was nothing about John which fitted conventional wisdom. He was from proud traditional working-class stock yet understood instinctively and completely the aspirations of that class and their desire to better themselves."
Tony Blair's tribute to John Prescott:
Although we all knew that the end was approaching and was inevitable, I am devastated by John’s passing. He was one of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics; one of the most committed and loyal; and definitely the most…
— Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (@InstituteGC) November 21, 2024
Stuart Henderson
Prescott 'one of the great figures', says William Hague
In his tribute, former Tory leader William Hague said Prescott was “one of the great figures of our political era”.
Hague – who served in opposition when Prescott was deputy prime minister – recalled that the pair “shared a certain bluntness in our exchanges”.
John Prescott was one of the great figures of our political era—passionate, loyal, and full of life. I will never forget our many lively exchanges across the despatch box. John was a formidable debater, unflinching in his commitment to his values, and he had a unique ability to…
John Prescott: The Labour firebrand who became Tony Blair’s vital sidekick
John Prescott was a Hull MP. (Getty)
JPrescott was the keeper of the cloth cap in Tony Blair’s Labour government, perhaps the last overtly working class Labour politician to hold high ministerial office.
With his prolier than thou attitude and forceful statement of traditional Labour values, he could touch the hearts of trade union and Labour activists more than any other party figure.
At the 1993 Party Conference the leader, John Smith, was advocating one member one vote in elections for parliamentary candidates and the party leader.
John Prescott and Alastair Campbell pictured in Keighley town centre. (Getty)
Alastair Campbell, the spin doctor who was a key figure in the New Labour movement, said John Prescott was "combative but he had an enormous heart".
He write on X: "There was nobody else like him. Tony could not have had a better deputy. Labour could not have had a better campaigner.
The government could not have had a better negotiator and - yes, often, peacemaker. Hull could not have had a better MP.
Of course he was combative but he had an enormous heart and a great capacity for friendship."
JP RIP … there was nobody else like him. Tony could not have had a better deputy. Labour could not have had a better campaigner. The government could not have had a better negotiator and - yes, often, peacemaker. Hull could not have had a better MP. Of course he was combative…
Talking about his connection to working class voters, who were so key in getting Blair’s New Labour movement elected, Blair said: "He was proud of his working class roots, but he didn’t celebrate them in the sense of saying ‘I want everyone to stay as they are’.
"He was fully aligned with that really vital element for the Labour Party always to connect, which is the aspiration... People who are working class to become better off and more prosperous."
Stuart Henderson
Blair: 'John was John'
Blair has gone on to talk about his "genuine affection" for his former deputy prime minister.
Recalling the moment Prescott was hit with an egg by a protester and responded by reactively punching his assailant, Blair said he was urged by some people to sack him. After a long debate about how to react, Blair recalled telling a press conference the next day "John is John. That's as much as you can say."
Blair added: "And that's what he was like. There were no rules he really abided by. "
Watch the incident below
Former British Deputy PM John Prescott dies at 86.
In 2001, someone hit him with an egg. Prescott responded with a perfectly timed jab. pic.twitter.com/kx5oc8uW9v
Tony Blair 'devastated' after John Prescott's death
John Prescott, pictured between Gordon Brown and Tony Blair at the Labour party conference in 2006. (Getty Images)
Labour former prime minister Sir Tony Blair said he was “devastated” by the death of Lord John Prescott, and described his deputy as “one of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics”.
Speaking on Radio 4, Blair said Prescott was key at reaching "parts of the Labour Party and electorate that I couldn't reach".
But despite being seen as Labour traditionalist, Blair said he was also an "innovator and highly intelligent".
Blair praised him as an "incredibly direct communicator and, referencing the fact that commentators would sometimes mock his speeches and use of the English language, added "even if the syntax never quite made sense, the sentiment was very powerful and made complete sense".
Stuart Henderson
Keir Starmer pays tribute to 'true giant' of Labour
The prime minister Keir Starmer has described John Prescott as a "true giant of the Labour movement".
In a statement posted on X, he said Prescott as "one of the key architects of a Labour Government that transformed the lives of millions of people across the nation".
I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of John Prescott.
John was a true giant of the Labour movement.
On behalf of the Labour Party, I send my condolences to Pauline and his family, to the city of Hull, and to all those who knew and loved him.
In a statement released after John Prescott's 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.
“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.
“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.”
Stuart Henderson
Prescott was a political bruiser
John Prescott was hit at least one egg as he arrived at the Little Theatre, in the North Wales seaside resort of Rhyl, in 2001. (Getty)
John Prescott was the pugnacious political bruiser who became an indispensable figure in Sir Tony Blair’s New Labour project.
For more than a decade, the ex-merchant seaman provided a crucial link with the party’s working-class roots as Sir Tony’s reforming drive led critics to accuse him of abandoning socialism altogether.
Notoriously short-tempered, as deputy prime minister he famously brawled with a protester who struck him with an egg while out campaigning during the 2001 general election.
He had a stormy relationship with the press who dubbed him “two Jags”, and who mocked his at times jumbled syntax in statements and interviews.
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