PM leads tributes to John Prescott
‘TRUE GIANT’: John Prescott who has died aged 86. Pictured at a fundraiser in Crawley in 2009. Picture credit: Andrew Skudder
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
The Prime Minister has led tributes to John Prescott, calling him “a true giant of the Labour movement”.
The family of the former Deputy Prime Minister and Hull East MP announced his death today. Prescott, who was 86 and had Alzheimer’s, died peacefully in a care home surrounded by his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery, his family said.
Writing on X, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “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 [wife] and his family, to the city of Hull, and to all those who knew and loved him.
“May he rest in peace.”
In a further statement, the PM wrote: “He was a staunch defender of working people and a proud trade unionist. During a decade as Deputy Prime Minister, he was one of the key architects of a Labour Government that transformed the lives of millions of people across the nation.
“So much of John’s work set the path for those of us fortunate enough to follow. From leading climate change negotiations to fighting regional inequality, his legacy will live on well beyond his lifetime.
“Across the Labour Party and the union movement he will be remembered for hs conviction, courage and strength of character. His passion, force of personality and pride in his working-class roots was key to his authenticity – an honesty that was recognised and respected across the political divide and across the nation.”
Karl Turner, Prescott’s friend and successor as East Hull MP, said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of my friend and predecessor John Prescott. Rest in peace comrade! Your contribution to public life will never be forgotten.”
In a longer statement also posted on X, Turner said: “John was a lifelong member of the Labour Party and committed socialist. John had an unwavering dedication to the people of Hull.
“Having known him for all my life, I know first-hand the impact that he had on many thousands of people across the city and the country.
“John began his political career as a trade union activist and full-time union official alongside my late father Ken within the National Union of Seamen, later becoming the RMT Union. He served as Member of Parliament for Kingston upon Hull East for 40 years.
“John’s contributions to politics were numerous, including his instrumental role in negotiating the landmark Kyoto Protocol on climate change. More locally John helped to secure funding and support for infrastructure projects such as the Hull tidal barrier.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife Pauline, sons Jonathan and David and his grandchildren who he cherished. John’s legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of those he served and the city he loved.”
FAMILY MAN: John Prescott with wife Pauline in a picture posted on social media by his family
Councillor Mike Ross, the leader of Hull City Council, said: “Firstly, I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to John Prescott’s family and friends on the news of his passing.
“John was a remarkable figure who had a tremendous impact on the course of the nation.
“He was an extremely significant figure in the Labour government of Tony Blair, who oversaw important changes to how the country was run.
“He was, though, always committed to his constituency and the city of Hull and there are many organisations in the city that benefited from his help and assistance.
“I am sure his family can look back on a life well lived and take great comfort in all that he achieved.”
Hull Labour group leader, Councillor Daren Hale, said: ““ohn was an absolute giant of the Labour and trade union movement, who adored his adopted city, which he served with such distinction.
“Even after his forty years as MP for Hull East, John participated fully in local life, and we feel personally privileged that he still found time to pop into the Guildhall to see us after catching the bus down from Sutton from time to time.
“He is a local, national and international political legend and will be so sadly missed.
“Our love and thoughts are with his family.”
LIFELONG FRIEND: Karl Turner, John Prescott’s successor as East Hull MP
Announcing his death on X, Prescott’s family posted: “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.
“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.”