Former Labour deputy prime minister John Prescott has died at 86 after battling Alzheimer’s, his family announced.

The Labour veteran, who represented Kingston upon Hull East as an MP for four decades, passed away peacefully in his care home surrounded by family. A former trade unionist and merchant seaman, Lord Prescott was widely known for his commitment to social justice and environmental protection.

In a statement, his wife Pauline and sons Johnathan and David expressed their sorrow, calling his years serving the people of Hull his “greatest honour.”

They 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.

“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.

“Thank you.

“Pauline, Johnathan and David Prescott.”

Lord Prescott stepped down from the House of Lords in July this year due to ongoing health challenges.

Official records reveal he had spoken in the chamber only once since suffering a stroke in 2019 and had not participated in a vote since February 2023.

During a parliamentary career spanning 50 years, Lord Prescott served as deputy prime minister for a decade following Labour’s landslide victory in 1997. Known for his fiery temperament, he made headlines in 2001 when he punched a protester who had thrown an egg at him during an election campaign in North Wales.

Despite his blunt demeanour, he played a crucial role in mediating the often fractious relationship between Sir Tony Blair and then chancellor Gordon Brown. In addition, he held responsibilities for environment, transport, and the regions, notably contributing to the negotiation of the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.

Though a steadfast ally of Sir Tony during his tenure, Lord Prescott later criticised aspects of New Labour’s legacy, including the controversial decision to invade Iraq.

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