British politician John Prescott, former deputy prime minister in Tony Blair’s Labor government, He died this Wednesday at 86 years old after suffering Alzheimer’s in the last stage of his life, as his family confirmed this Thursday in a press release.
“We are deeply saddened to inform you that our beloved husband, father and grandfather, John Prescott, has passed away peacefully at the age of 86. “He died surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz of Marian Montgomery.”declared those close to him.
The one who was number two of Labor leader Tony Blair during the 10 years he was in power (between 1997-2007) “spent his life trying improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and environmental protection,” the note said.
Announcing the news, his wife, Pauline, and his sons, Jonathan and David, recalled that after representing the citizens of the English town of Hull – where he was an MP for four decades – was “his greatest honour”.
“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. apoplexy and the dedicated staff of the residence where he died after living with Alzheimer’s disease,” they noted.
Guardian of traditional work
Those close to Prescott, who before being in government had been a union member and repeatedly made headlines for his temperament, also suggested that those wishing to send a tribute for the politician’s death “to place 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 seen 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 election.
John Prescott in an image taken on February 27, 2012 in London.
Tony Blair, “devastated”
For his part, the former Labor leader Tony Blair admitted that he felt “devastated” for the news and described his former “number two” as “one of the most talented people” he had “found in the political world”.
“I trusted him on several occasions: when we had difficulties, when we found ourselves attacked; and even though less is known, each time I needed someone whose instincts I trusted more than my own,” Blair said.
