John Prescott

2024 - 11 - 21

John Prescott: The Unruly Deputy Who Taught Politics a Lesson!

Climate Policy - John Prescott - Labour Party - New Labour - Pork Pie Incident - Tony Blair - Trade Unions - UK Politics

Did you hear the news? John Prescott has passed away at 86, leaving behind wild stories and a legacy in UK politics that you won't forget!

John Prescott, the fiery former deputy prime minister of the UK, has passed away at the age of 86, surrounded by his loved ones in a peaceful setting. Celebrated for his direct and sometimes combative style, Prescott firmly stood at the heart of the Labour party during Tony Blair’s time in office, embodying the spirit of ‘New Labour’ with his unfiltered concerns for the working class. His journey began humbly as a merchant seaman and later evolved as a prominent trade union activist, making his mark in the political landscape as a send-up of traditional politics that often had everyone on their toes.

The political career of Prescott was anything but mundane. Known for his memorable quotes and moments—one of which included literally punching a protestor who threw a pie at him—he was never shy to express his feelings on various pressing issues. Blair himself has fondly remembered Prescott as one of the "most talented and unusual" politicians he had ever worked with, highlighting the warmth and camaraderie they shared despite the rollercoaster politics of the era. Prescott's fierce loyalty to Labour values and relentless drive made him a key figure in promoting social justice and workers’ rights, a legacy that will be cherished by many.

In addition to his impactful political work, Prescott was also a beloved public figure, often making appearances on TV and radio, engaging with the public on everything from politics to pop culture. His charm was undeniable, and while he didn’t shy away from controversy, he always had a knack for getting people talking. He fiercely advocated for the communities he represented in Hull, where he was elected as MP in 1970. For nearly four decades, Prescott became synonymous with his constituency, demonstrating that being an MP is not just about voicing opinions but also about being rooted in the community.

As we reflect on the legacy of John Prescott, it's interesting to note that his journey through politics can also be characterized by a unique blend of determination and charisma, making him an unforgettable public servant. Furthermore, his extensive tenure highlighted the transformational period of the late 20th-century UK political scene, showcasing how a decorated career can be punctuated by both fierce opposition and seamless political allyship. Prescott leaves behind not just memories, but a formative era that invariably shapes ongoing discussions around politics and governance in the UK today.

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Image courtesy of "RTE.ie"

UK's former deputy prime minister John Prescott dies (RTE.ie)

The former trade union activist and ex-merchant seaman died "peacefully" and surrounded by relatives at his care home, they said. Mr Prescott was a key figure ...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Lord Prescott was most 'talented and unusual' politician - Blair (BBC News)

Sir Tony Blair has described John Prescott as one of the "most talented" and "unusual" people he encountered in politics, after his former deputy prime ...

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Image courtesy of "NBC News"

John Prescott, pugnacious deputy U.K. prime minister to Tony Blair ... (NBC News)

John Prescott, the pugnacious deputy prime minister to Britain's Tony Blair during his 10 years in government, has died aged 86 after a battle with ...

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

UK former deputy PM John Prescott dies aged 86 (Aljazeera.com)

Tony Blair leads tributes to 'incredibly direct' deputy, known for not pulling his punches – on one occasion, literally.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

John Prescott: share your tributes and memories (The Guardian)

Prescott was a former trade union activist and a significant figure of the New Labour movement. Prescott served as deputy prime minister under Blair, and was ...

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Image courtesy of "Financial Times"

Former UK deputy prime minister John Prescott dies at 86 (Financial Times)

“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,” his ...

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

John Prescott death: Former deputy prime minister dies aged 86 (The Independent)

The Labour firebrand died at the age of 86 surrounded by family.

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Image courtesy of "Spectator.co.uk"

I liked John Prescott enormously (Spectator.co.uk)

There was a time we all looked forward to on the BBC Today programme, back in the early years of Tony Blair's first term as Prime Minister.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

John Prescott: former deputy PM and New Labour stalwart – video ... (The Guardian)

He was seen as a custodian of the Labour party's traditional values in the face of a modernising leadership.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Tributes paid to former deputy PM and Hull MP John Prescott (BBC News)

Prescott was elected as MP for Hull East in 1970 and went on to hold the seat for almost 40 years.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

How John Prescott blazed a trail for Angela Rayner (BBC News)

Angela Rayner sought inspiration from John Prescott's rise to the near top of the Labour Party and the country.

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Image courtesy of "Reuters"

John Prescott, pugnacious deputy UK PM to Tony Blair, dies at 86 (Reuters)

John Prescott, the pugnacious deputy prime minister to Britain's Tony Blair during his 10 years in government, has died aged 86 after a battle with ...

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

John Prescott, a 'critical force' in climate policy, will be missed at ... (The Guardian)

His tenacity in pushing crucial deals over the line in Kyoto and Copenhagen was born of belief in social justice.

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Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

John Prescott, Former UK Deputy Prime Minister, Dies at 86 (The New York Times)

Mr. Prescott was a waiter on cruise ships before rising through the trade union movement and entering politics. He became one of the country's best-known ...

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Image courtesy of "Sky News"

John Prescott, a pork pie and me - my run-in with Labour's deputy ... (Sky News)

Brandishing a pork pie on a silver tray, John Prescott stood on the stage during his 1995 Labour conference speech and bellowed: "Lies, lies! Porky pies!".

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Lord Prescott obituary (The Guardian)

Veteran Labour politician and trade unionist who served as deputy prime minister under Tony Blair for 10 years.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

John Prescott: Seven big moments in life of Labour legend (BBC News)

Lord Prescott spent a decade as Tony Blair's deputy and was seen as a custodian of traditional Labour values.

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Image courtesy of "Sky News"

Former Labour deputy prime minister John Prescott dies aged 86 (Sky News)

Born in Prestatyn, Wales, on 31 May 1938, John Prescott, the son of a railwayman, left school aged 15 to work as a trainee chef, then as a steward on the ...

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

How John Prescott used humour and grit to unite old and New Labour (The Guardian)

Prescott, from proud working-class stock, represented the part of Labour that Tony Blair knew he had to carry with him.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Archive, 1998: John Prescott gets a soaking at the Brit Awards (The Guardian)

Deputy PM has a bucket of iced water thrown over him by anarcho-punk band Chumbawamba at the music awards ceremony.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Kind, belligerent, and the man all sides trusted: that's the John ... (The Guardian)

He was the soul and conscience of Labour and persuaded millions to keep the faith – even when Blair sorely tested it, says Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

'He was for us': everyone has anecdotes about John Prescott in his ... (The Guardian)

Residents of Sutton in Hull remember the former MP and deputy prime minister who became 'a proper Hully'

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Image courtesy of "Architects Journal"

Remembering John Prescott: 'His ideas always packed a punch' (Architects Journal)

RSHP's John McElgunn pays tribute to John Prescott's legacy of urban renewal and climate advocacy following the death of the former deputy prime minister, ...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

John Prescott: Farmer punched in 2001 has 'no regrets' (BBC News)

Ex-boxer Lord Prescott instinctively turned and punched the farming protester, which later earned him the nickname "Two Jabs". While unrepentant about the ...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

John Prescott: East Hull constituents remember their former MP (BBC News)

The former Labour MP, who has died at the age of 86, represented Hull East for 40 years after first being elected in 1970. It is the industrial heart of the ...

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