Former deputy prime minister John Prescott has died aged 86 following a battle with Alzheimer’s, his family has announced.

The former trade union activist and ex-merchant seaman died ‘peacefully’ and surrounded by relatives and jazz music at his care home on Wednesday.

His family said he had ‘spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment’. 

Lord Prescott was a key figure of Sir Tony Blair’s New Labour project, seen by many as custodian of the party’s traditional values in the face of a modernising leadership.

He was ennobled in 2010 and introduced to the upper chamber as Baron Prescott of Kingston upon Hull having served for four decades as an MP for the city.

In a statement released after his death, his wife Pauline and sons Johnathan and David said that representing the people of Hull had been ‘his greatest honour’.

Tributes are pouring in from across the political spectrum for Lord Prescott, with Sir Tony saying he is ‘devastated’ by the news.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the political giant will be remembered for ‘his conviction, courage, and strength of character.’ 

In a statement, Lord Prescott’s family 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,’ they said.

‘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.’

Lord Prescott ceased to be a member of the upper House in July this year after facing health difficulties.

He had served as an MP from 1970 to 2010, and as Deputy Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007.

He had only spoken once in the chamber since suffering a stroke in 2019, official records show, and had not voted since February 2023.

Over a parliamentary career spanning more than half a century, Lord Prescott served for 10 years as deputy prime minister after Labour’s 1997 general election landslide.

At times short-tempered, he once famously punched a protester who threw an egg at him during an election campaign visit to North Wales in 2001.

And at the Brit awards in 1998 he was left soaked after he had a bucket of ice cold water thrown over him by Chumbawamba drummer Danbert Nobacon.

But during much of his time in office, he acted as a mediator in the often turbulent relationship between Sir Tony and chancellor Gordon Brown.

He also oversaw the environment, transport and the regions, a brief which included helping to negotiate the international Kyoto Protocol on climate change.

Lord Prescott was a loyal supporter of Sir Tony in office but subsequently critical of parts of New Labour’s legacy, denouncing Britain’s involvement in the Iraq War.

In a statement this morning, Sir Tony said he is ‘devastated’ to hear of Lord Prescott’s passing, adding: ‘I relied on him many times: when in difficulty, under attack; and less well known when I needed someone whose gut instinct I trusted better than my own.

‘To say we were partners would never capture the nature of our relationship. The was nothing formal about it. We met and talked regularly. Rules of protocol were cast aside. Debates were had which could be fierce. But once concluded, the common line was kept. 

‘The truth is for all the difficulties and the differences and the jokes about us both and our ‘odd couple relationship’, we had developed a genuine admiration, respect and affection for each other.

‘Underneath what could be a fierce exterior, and a manner some undoubtedly found intimidating, beat a loving, kind and compassionate human heart. John was as good a friend as you could ever hope to have, with a deep sensitivity, even vulnerability.’

Current Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: ‘I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of John Prescott.

‘John was a true giant of the Labour movement. He was a staunch defender of working people and a proud trade unionist.

‘During a decade as Deputy Prime Minister, he was one of the key architects of a Lbour government that transformed the lives of millions of people across the nation.

‘So much of John’s work set the path for those of us fortunate enough to follow. From leading climate negotiations to fighting regional inequality, his legacy will live on well beyond his lifetime.

‘Across the Labour Party and the union movement he will be remembered for his conviction, courage and strength of character.

‘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.

‘On behalf of the Labour Party, I send my condolences to Pauline and all his family, to the city of Hull which he served as MP for forty years, and to all those who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.’ 

Other politicians also paid tribute, with former MP and Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons Nigel Evans writing: ‘RIP John Prescott – a giant in British politics for over 40 years- a true Socialist who rose through the ranks to become Deputy Prime Minister. 

‘He was gutsy – partisan with a punch – and the Labour Party was his DNA – an internationalist of huge ability and colour. A one off!’

Former US vice president Al Gore, who worked with John Prescott on the Kyoto Protocol climate change agreement in 1997, said he had ‘never worked with anyone in politics – on my side of the pond or his – quite like John Prescott’.

Mr Gore said in a statement: ‘He possessed an inherent ability to connect with people about the issues that mattered to them – a talent that others spend years studying and cultivating, but that was second nature to him.

‘He fought like hell to negotiate the Kyoto Protocol and was an unwavering champion of climate action for decades to come. I’m forever grateful to John for that commitment to solving the climate crisis and will miss him as a dear friend.’

Karl Turner, the Labour MP for East Hull who succeeded Lord Prescott in Parliament, said his ‘contribution to public life will never be forgotten’.

In a statement posted on X, Mr Turner said: ‘John had an unwavering dedication to the people of Hull. Having known John for all of my life, I know first hand the impact that he had on many thousands of people across the city and the country.’

He added: ‘John’s legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of those he served and the city he loved.’

Maria Eagle, the Labour MP for Liverpool Garston, described Lord Prescott as a great Labour deputy leader after his death aged 86.

She recalled his work for the relatives of those who lost their lives in the sinking of the MV Derbyshire in 1980.

In a post on X, she wrote: ‘I’ll always remember what he did for the MV Derbyshire families, insisting on work that led to the vindication of their deceased relatives, who they felt had been blamed for the sinking.’

Prescott also strongly defended Jeremy Corbyn during his time as party leader in the face of fierce criticism.

And he previously posed for pictures with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, poking fun at his famous antics by wearing boxing gloves. 

Born in Prestatyn in Wales on May 31 1938 the son of a railwayman, Lord Prescott left school at the age of 15 to work as a trainee chef and then as a steward on the Cunard Line before entering politics.

In a private letter in 2007, Sir Tony said his former deputy’s role ‘smoothing out problems, sorting out colleagues and trouble-shooting’ had been an ‘integral part of getting things done’.

The former prime minister said: ‘The completely unique Prescott blend of charm and brutality – made always more effective by the unpredictability of which would be predominant – got you through the decade, kept the government together and above all, gave me a lot of fun. I was lucky to have you as my deputy.’