John Prescott, former UK Deputy Prime Minister, dies at 86

British politician John Prescott, who served as Deputy Prime Minister under Tony Blair and spent four decades in the House of Commons, has died after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease, his family announced on Thursday. He was 86 years old.

Prescott died at his care home on Wednesday while surrounded by his loved ones and the sound of jazz music, according to a joint statement from his family, which was signed by his wife Pauline and their two sons, Johnathan and David.

“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,” the family wrote. “He did so surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery.”

Prescott was a prominent figure in British politics, representing Kingston upon Hull East as a Labour MP for 40 years, from 1970 to 2010. He played a key role in Tony Blair’s government after Labour’s victory in 1997, serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport, and the Regions until 2001, and then as First Secretary of State until his resignation in 2007.

“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 family said in the statement.

Prescott retired from Parliament in 2010 and was appointed a life peer, taking a seat in the House of Lords until 2024. In 2019, he suffered a stroke, and subsequently developed Alzheimer’s disease.

Prime Minister and Labour leader Keir Starmer paid tribute to Prescott as a “true giant” of the Labour movement. “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,” he said.

Prescott’s family expressed gratitude to NHS doctors, nurses, and care home staff who supported him in his final years. “In lieu of flowers and if you wish to do so, you can donate to Alzheimer’s Research UK,” they said.