UK former deputy PM John Prescott dies aged 86

John Prescott, the former Deputy Prime Minister of Britain, has passed away at the age of 86 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease, his family confirmed.

Prescott, a former merchant seaman who became a key figure in Tony Blair’s New Labour government, died peacefully in a care home. His family shared the news on Thursday.

Tony Blair, who served as prime minister from 1997 to 2007, paid tribute to his former deputy, describing him as an “incredibly direct communicator” and stating that “no one quite like him” existed in British politics. Blair, speaking on a BBC program, emphasized Prescott's “fantastic gut instinct” and expressed a “huge, genuine affection” for him.

A prominent trade unionist with strong working-class roots, Prescott was seen as a bridge between Labour Party traditionalists and Blair’s restructured New Labour, which sought a middle ground between left-wing social policy and right-leaning capitalism.

Prescott, known for his down-to-earth, no-nonsense style, was often the target of media ridicule for his mispronunciations or grammatical errors, though many believed these traits masked his sharp intellect. He was famously dubbed “Two Jags” for owning two luxury Jaguars—one for personal use and the other for official duties.

Prescott became a media sensation in 1999 when he was criticized for using the ministerial car for a short journey during the Labour Party conference. His blunt explanation—saying it was to protect his wife’s hair from the wind—became a subject of public discussion. In another high-profile incident during the 2001 general election campaign, Prescott punched a man who threw an egg at him, earning him the new nickname “Two Jabs.” Blair later responded to the incident, saying, “John is John,” acknowledging Prescott's fiery and unapologetic nature.

Blair defended Prescott’s actions, saying that while some criticized the punch, others felt it was justified given the circumstances.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer also praised Prescott as a “staunch defender of working people” and highlighted his legacy in areas such as climate negotiations and regional inequality. “His conviction, courage, and strength of character will be remembered,” Starmer said, adding that Prescott’s contributions would continue to inspire those who followed.

Born on May 31, 1938, in Prestatyn, Wales, Prescott rose from modest beginnings as the son of a railway signalman and a maid. He was deeply involved in the trade union movement and later studied politics at Oxford’s Ruskin College as a mature student. He served as Deputy Prime Minister throughout Blair's tenure and remained deeply connected to his Welsh roots, despite leaving Wales at the age of four.