John Prescott, Tony Blair’s former deputy prime minister and guardian of traditional Labor, dies at 86

The British politician John Prescott, former deputy prime minister of Tony Blair’s Labor government, He died this Wednesday at 86 years after having suffered Alzheimer’s in the last stage of his life, as confirmed by his family this Thursday in a statement.

“We are deeply saddened to inform you that our beloved husband, father and grandfather, John Prescott, died peacefully at the age of 86. “He died surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz of Marian Montgomery.”said his loved ones.

The one who was number two of Labor leader Tony Blair during the 10 years that the latter was in power (between 1997-2007) “spent his life trying improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment,” the note indicates.

When breaking the news, his wife, Pauline, and his sons, Jonathan and David, recalled that having represented the citizens of the English city of Hull -where he was a deputy for four decades- was “his greatest honor.”

“John loved his home in Hull and representing his people in Parliament for 40 years was his greatest honour. We would like to thank the incredible NHS doctors and nurses who have cared for him since 2019. suffered a apoplexy and the dedicated staff at the residence where he died after living with Alzheimer’s,” they noted.

Guardian of traditional Labor

The relatives of Prescott, who before being in the Government had been a union member and generated headlines on more than one occasion for his temperamental character, also suggested that those who wish to send a tribute for the death of the politician that “instead of flowers”, send a donation to the UK Alzheimer’s Research Centre.

Prescott was a key figure in Tony Blair’s New Labor project and was perceived by many during his political career as the guardian of traditional values of the Labor Party in the face of Blair’s leadership.

Throughout his parliamentary career, the politician served as deputy prime minister in the Blair Government for ten years after winning the party with an absolute majority in the 1997 elections.

Tony Blair, “devastated”

For his part, the former Labor leader Tony Blair admitted that he feels “devastated” for the news and described his former “number two” as “one of the most talented people” he has “found in the world of politics.”

“I trusted him many times: when we had difficulties, when we found ourselves attacked; and although less is known, each time I needed someone whose instinct I trusted more than my own,” Blair said.