True man of the people

King leads tributes to a Labour legend

- ASHLEY COWBURN and SOPHIE HUSKISSON

JOHN Prescott was hailed as a Labour titan and hero of working people as tributes flooded in after his death at the age of 86.

The former deputy prime minister and Labour MP for four decades, who had Alzheimer's, died peacefully on Wednesday at a care home where he had been living.

A statement from wife Pauline and sons, Johnathan and David, said that representing the people of Hull had been "his greatest honour".

They said: "We are deeply saddened to inform you that our beloved husband, father and grandfather, John Prescott, passed away peacefully yesterday at the age of 86.

"He did so surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery."

King Charles said: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lord Prescott. I remember with great fondness his unique and indomitable character, as well as his infectious sense of humour.

"My thoughts and greatest sympathy are with Lord Prescott's wife, family and loved ones at such a difficult time.

"I am sure that very many people will recognize and greatly appreciate Lord Prescott's decades of public service in front line politics, not least as the United Kingdom's longest serving deputy prime minister."

Ex-merchant seaman Lord Prescott, described as an inspiration to working-class boys, was Prime Minister Tony Blair's deputy for 10 years after Labour's 1997 landslide election win.

Sir Tony said there was "no one quite like him" in British politics and he was "key" to holding the New Labour government together.