LONDON — John Prescott, a prominent figure in British politics and former deputy prime minister, has passed away at the age of 86. His family shared the news of his death on Thursday, revealing that Prescott had been battling Alzheimer’s disease. He died peacefully in a care facility on Wednesday, surrounded by family members who cherished him deeply.
Throughout his life, Prescott dedicated himself to the betterment of society, relentlessly advocating for social justice and environmental protection. He served in the government alongside Prime Minister Tony Blair, who took office in 1997, bringing a distinctive mix of toughness, humor, and a working-class perspective to the role.
Blair praised Prescott, calling him one of the most talented and loyal individuals he had encountered in the political arena, highlighting his unique approach to politics.
In his youth, Prescott was an amateur boxer, a trait that suited his combative political style. He famously retaliated against an egg thrown at him during a campaign event in 2001, an incident that generated considerable media attention. Although the event could have jeopardized his career, Blair’s casual remark—“John is John”—helped solidify Prescott’s connection with the public.
Entering politics via the trade union movement, Prescott embodied the working-class ethos at a time when such representation was dwindling in government. He was known for his appreciation of the finer things in life, earning the nickname “Two Jags” due to his ownership of two luxury Jaguar vehicles. This nickname was amended to “Two Jabs” following the egg-throwing incident.
Prescott held the deputy prime minister role from 1997 to 2007, and he took pride in his instrumental role in the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, a significant international climate change agreement. Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore expressed his admiration for Prescott’s tenacity and commitment to climate action, remembering him as a one-of-a-kind collaborator in politics.
For four decades, Prescott served as the representative for his hometown of Hull in northern England. Following the Labour Party’s loss of power in 2010, he transitioned to the House of Lords as an unelected member. Former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown hailed Prescott as a genuine champion of the working class, noting his desire for shared prosperity and opportunity for all citizens.
John Prescott is survived by his wife, Pauline, and their two sons, Johnathan and David.