John Prescott, who served as Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007, has passed away at the age of 86, his family announced.
Prescott died on Wednesday following a battle with Alzheimer’s, according to a statement released Thursday by his wife, Pauline, and 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 said. “He was surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery.”
A significant figure in British politics, Prescott represented Kingston upon Hull East as a Labour MP for 40 years, from 1970 to 2010. He played a pivotal role in Tony Blair’s government, first as Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport, and the Regions from 1997 to 2001, and then as First Secretary of State until 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 noted.
After retiring from Parliament in 2010, Prescott was made a life peer, serving in the House of Lords until 2024. He suffered a stroke in 2019 and was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The family expressed their gratitude to NHS doctors, nurses, and the care home staff who supported him during his final years. “In lieu of flowers, and if you wish to do so, you can donate to Alzheimer’s Research UK,” they added.