Former UK deputy prime minister John Prescott dies at 86

Published On : 2024-11-21T14:31:15+0530 [ IST ] | Author : Mayur_Tembhare
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dies-at-86" target="_blank">Former UK deputy prime minister John Prescott dies at 86 (Picture credit: Reuters) John Prescott was the former deputy prime minister of the United Kingdom under Tony Blair's Labour government.

Prescott had been living with Alzheimer's and passed away peacefully at his care home surrounded by family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery.

Born on May 31 1938 in Prestatyn Wales Prescott began his career as a steward in the Merchant Navy before entering politics. He represented Kingston uponHullEast in Parliament for four decades from 1970 to 2010.

Prescott was a key figure in Blair’s New Labour project bridging the gap between the traditional left-wing and modernisers.

He was known for his plain-spoken nature and was a loyal ally of Blair. He often acted as a mediator between Blair and then-Chancellor Gordon Brown during their turbulent partnership.

During his tenure as deputy prime minister from 1997 to 2007 Prescott played a significant role in international climate negotiations including the Kyoto Protocol. His commitment to environmental protection and social justice earned him widespread respect.

“John dearly loved his home of Hull and representing its people was his greatest honour,” his family said.

Despite his contributions Prescott had a fiery persona famously punching a protester who threw an egg at him in 2001. In later years he defended Jeremy Corbyn's leadership and criticised Britain's involvement

Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute to Prescott calling him a "true giant of the Labour movement." Tony Blair described him as one of the most talented and loyal people in British politics whose “passion and pride in his working-class roots” left an enduring legacy

Source : Reporters From Sunrise Chronicles

Tags : Prescott , ministerclass roots ” left , Prestatyn , Chancellor Gordon Brown , John Prescott , tonythelabour movement ." , As , Former , Kingston , May ,

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