John Prescott, the former Labour deputy prime minister and trade union activist, has passed away at the age of 86. His family confirmed he died peacefully on Wednesday, accompanied by the soothing sound of jazz music at his care home, where he had been living with Alzheimerās disease.
Prescott, a stalwart of the Labour Party, served as deputy to Prime Minister Tony Blair from 1997 to 2007. Known for his straight-talking demeanor and working-class roots, he played a pivotal role in shaping New Labour.
As a trusted power-broker and counselor, Prescott skillfully navigated the often tense relationship between Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown, helping maintain stability within the British government.