What we know:

John Prescott, the former Deputy Prime Minister under Tony Blair’s Labour government, has passed away at the age of 86. His family announced that he died peacefully on Wednesday at his care home, accompanied by the sound of jazz music. Prescott had been living with Alzheimer’s disease in recent years.

Tony Blair expressed his devastation, describing Prescott as unparalleled in British politics. He fondly recalled a defining moment from the 2001 election campaign when Prescott famously punched a protester who had thrown an egg at him, symbolizing his fiery and unapologetic personality.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer honored Prescott as “a true giant of the Labour movement,” acknowledging his lifelong contributions to the party and working-class causes.

More Prescott, a former trade union activist, served as Deputy Prime Minister for a decade and represented Kingston upon Hull East in Parliament for nearly 40 years. Known for his staunch advocacy for workers’ rights and his pivotal role in Labour’s governance during its transformative years, Prescott leaves behind a legacy deeply ingrained in British political history.

Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner describes Prescott as ‘a labour legend’

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has just released a statement on the death of Prescott, describing him as an “inspiration” to her.

“John was not only a Labour legend but an inspiration to me, and always so generous with his time and support,” Rayner says, adding that he was “driven by his Labour values to serve working people”.

“Fiercely proud of his working class and trade union roots, he never lost sight of who he came into politics to serve. He used the chance he was given to change the lives of millions of working people.

“A giant of the Labour movement and loyal friend, he will be remembered with huge fondness by all those who knew him.”