'No one quite like him in British politics'

HE was a political bruiser and famous for punching a protester - but the King joined Sir Tony Blair in leading tributes to John Prescott after the former Deputy PM died at the age of 86.

- Robert Kellaway

Charles hailed Lord Prescott's "decades of public service" and said in a statement: "I remember with great fondness his unique and indomitable character, as well as his infectious sense of humour."

Former PM Sir Tony choked back tears on TV as he talked about his old friend and colleague, who had been battling Alzheimer's. He said: "I am devastated. There was no one quite like him in British politics. Underneath what could be a fierce exterior and a manner some undoubtedly found intimidating, beat a loving, kind and compassionate human heart."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called him "a true giant of the Labour movement" and a "one-off".

In a family statement, Lord Prescott's wife of more than 60 years, Pauline, and his sons Johnathan and David, said he had "passed away peacefully" on Wednesday "surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery".

Boxing

They said "John spent his life trying to improve the lives of others" and that representing the people of his home city Hull in Parliament had been "his greatest honour".

Lord Prescott a former cruise ship steward who could down a pint in five seconds and loved a boxing match - formed the bridge between New and Old Labour.

He also played peacemaker between Tony Blair and his Chancellor Gordon Brown and was described as their "marriage counsellor".