OBITUARY : John Prescott (1938-2024)
OBITUARY : JOHN PRESCOTT (1938-2024)
John Leslie Prescott, Baron Prescott, passed away on November 20, 2024, at the age of 86. A towering figure in British politics, Prescott served as the Deputy Prime Minister under Tony Blair from 1997 to 2007, becoming a vital bridge between traditional Labour voters and the modernising forces of New Labour. Born on May 31, 1938, in Prestatyn, Wales, Prescott had humble beginnings. After failing the eleven-plus exam, he worked as a ship steward and became active in trade unions. He later earned degrees from Ruskin College and the University of Hull. His political journey began in earnest when he was elected Member of Parliament for Kingston upon Hull East in 1970, a position he held for 40 years.
Prescott was renowned for his plain-speaking style and fierce advocacy for working-class issues. As Deputy Prime Minister, he played a pivotal role in maintaining cohesion within Blair’s administration, particularly during the often fractious relationship between Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown. Prescott’s portfolio included housing, environmental policies, and transportation reform, and he was instrumental in negotiating the Kyoto Protocol on climate change. A man of contrasts, Prescott combined a deep connection to his working-class roots with an appetite for modern comforts, earning him the nickname “Two Jags” for his use of two official cars. His tenure was marked by controversies, including a public scuffle with a protester in 2001 and revelations of an extramarital affair in 2006. Nonetheless, his loyalty to Labour and his enduring commitment to social justice earned him widespread respect.
After retiring from the House of Commons in 2010, Prescott was appointed a life peer, taking his seat in the House of Lords. He continued to advocate for climate action and media regulation and briefly returned to frontline politics as an advisor to Ed Miliband in 2015. In his later years, Prescott suffered a stroke in 2019 and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He passed away peacefully in a care home, surrounded by his family and the music he loved. His wife Pauline and their sons, Jonathan and David, expressed their gratitude to the NHS and care staff who supported him in his final years.
Tony Blair described him as “one of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics”, while Gordon Brown called him “a working-class hero.” Prescott’s legacy lies in his ability to connect with people from all walks of life and his lifelong fight for a fairer, greener society.
