John Prescott, the Labour Party stalwart who rose from being a cruise ship steward to serving as deputy prime minister for a record ten years, has passed away at 86. Former prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown led tributes to this colorful political figure, highlighting his significant contributions to British politics.
Prescott’s political journey was marked by several memorable moments. In 1993, he delivered a pivotal speech at the Labour Party conference that saved leader John Smith’s proposed party reforms, ultimately paving the way for his own rise to deputy leader in 1997.
A key achievement was his role in brokering the landmark Kyoto Protocol on climate change in 1997. US Vice-President Al Gore praised Prescott’s unwavering commitment to climate action, noting his unique ability to connect with people on important issues.
Prescott became famous for some controversial moments, including a memorable incident during the 2001 general election when he punched a protester who had cracked an egg on his head. Despite calls for an apology, Prescott remained defiant, with Blair famously remarking, “John is John.”
His nickname “Two Jags” stemmed from his use of two Jaguar cars, which became a source of public humor. In a later twist, Prescott embraced environmental consciousness, eventually becoming “Zero Jags” and selling his cars to reduce his carbon footprint.
As deputy PM, Prescott was passionate about regional devolution. However, his ambitious plan for elected regional assemblies suffered a significant setback when a 2004 referendum in the North-East resulted in 78% voting against the proposal.
Prescott also showed a lighter side, making a cameo appearance in the popular TV comedy Gavin & Stacey and revealing his emotional connection to the film Billy Elliot, which he watched five times and admitted made him cry.
For many Labour supporters, Prescott represented an authentic alternative to the polished New Labour image. Often mocked for his linguistic struggles, he was seen as an ordinary man standing up to intellectual elitism.
Throughout his career, Prescott was known for his working-class background and trade union roots. He played a crucial role in shaping Labour’s policies during the Blair years and was instrumental in various policy areas, including environmental initiatives and regional development.
His legacy includes paving the way for future regional political developments, with Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham crediting Prescott for giving the north of England a political profile.
John Prescott’s political career was characterized by passion, authenticity, and a commitment to representing working-class interests. From his early days as a trade unionist to his role as a senior government figure, he remained a distinctive and memorable personality in British politics.
