'The late, great John Prescott' - tributes flood in for 'Labour legend' who died aged 86

Tributes have begun flooding in for the “late, great” John Prescott, who passed away earlier this week.

The beloved politician died aged 86, on Wednesday, November 20th 2024, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Prescott served as Britain’s longest-running Deputy Prime Minister and solidified himself as one of ‘the greats’ of the political era.

Emotional and loving tributes have flooded in for the ‘Labour legend’ who was long regarded as ‘a man of the people.’ Continue reading for tributes.

A statement posted by the former Deputy Prime Minister’s family 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. 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.”

The statement continued: “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.”

“He served our country with distinction”

The Labour Party paid tribute to the former Deputy Prime Minister with a video posted on X. It was captioned “the late, great John Prescott.” May he rest in peace.”

The party added: “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. May he rest in peace.”

“Passionate, loyal and full of life”

Former Foreign Secretary John Hague said: “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 speak directly to the concerns of the people he represented.

“It was a point of pride for both of us that we hailed from Rotherham; although it shaped us in different ways, we shared a certain bluntness in our exchanges—though in true Yorkshire fashion, John usually got straight to the point faster than I did!

“John’s legacy as a voice for working people and a relentless advocate for Labour will endure. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this very sad time.”

“An inspiration and a dear friend”

Angela Rayner said: “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.”

“Endless charm and iconic wit”

Former Labour leader Jeremy 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.”

“Pugnacious, principled and hilarious”

Journalist, Piers Morgan said: “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.”

“Best sitcom cameo of all time”

Christian Calgie, senior political correspondent for the Daily Express said: “RIP John Prescott. Hull legend, pint downer, jag owner, and the best sitcom cameo of all time. [They] don’t make ‘em like this anymore.”

The sitcom references, Prescott’s appearance on BBC’s Gavin and Stacey, where he attended Nessa’s wedding.

“One of the all-time greats”

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “He was a "political colossus, he was a Labour titan, he was one of the all-time greats"

“He was Our John”

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester said: “John was our voice. He made us feel we had a right to be in Westminster.

“He was first to give the North of England a political profile and paved the way for the devolution of powers to it. He made politics real and lifted the lives of millions. He was Our John. RIP.”