Former British deputy prime minister John Prescott has been remembered in the House of Commons as a “titan” of British politics, who inspired working class boys and girls.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle led tributes to the former Labour deputy prime minister who died aged 86 after, according to his family, “latterly living with Alzheimer’s”.
Hoyle told the House: “John served the people of Hull for 40 years as a member of this House, 10 of them as deputy prime minister.
“He was a towering figure in the Labour trade union movement and a campaigner for workers.
“A fearless, loyal, active unionist and dedicated parliamentarian – an advocate for his constituents.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Pauline and family.
“There will be an opportunity for the House to pay fuller tributes next week.”
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh added: “A Merchant Navy steward who became deputy prime minister, a visionary transport secretary, and an icon of the New Labour government.
“An inspiration to working class boys and girls across our country for what our Labour movement can achieve, and our thoughts are with Pauline, his family, and everyone who loved him in our whole Labour family.”
From the Conservative benches, shadow transport minister Jerome Mayhew said: “We’re all going to miss John Prescott.
He was a titan of our politics and a man not afraid to come out swinging for what he believed in.”
His final remark raised laughs in the chamber as it alluded to the time Lord Prescott punched a protester who threw an egg at him during an election campaign visit to North Wales in 2001 (dpa/NAN).
