Prescott, who had Alzheimer's, died peacefully in a care home, according to a statement issued by his family. He served as deputy prime minister for more than a decade under Tony Blair and played a pivotal role in his government.
Blair said Prescott had been one "of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics, one of the most committed and loyal, and definitely the most unusual... There were no rules he really abided by."
Ed Miliband, the energy secretary and former Labour leader, said Prescott was a "titan of the labour movement".
During his time in office, Prescott was seen as a custodian of traditional Labour values in the face of a modernising leadership. He acted as a mediator in the often tumultuous relationship between Blair and his chancellor, Gordon Brown, which led to him being described as their "marriage counsellor".
The son of a railway signalman who left school at 15 to work as a trainee chef and then as a steward on the Cunard Line, Prescott is held up to this day as someone who rose from humble beginnings to reach the top of British politics.
Between 1997 and 2001 he served as secretary of state for the environment, transport and the regions and became Britain's lead negotiator for the Kyoto protocol, the first international treaty to set legally binding targets on greenhouse gas emissions.
Denne historien er fra November 22, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
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Denne historien er fra November 22, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
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Amorim asks for survival mode after Wolves loss
Ruben Amorim said Manchester United must adopt survival mode to end their miserable run after a fourth defeat in five Premier League matches dropped them to 14th, eight points above the relegation zone.
'We have to try' Guardiola calls for January signings after Everton draw
Pep Guardiola and the Manchester City board will discuss new signings for the January transfer window this week, the manager said after his team dropped another two points in the 1-1 draw with Everton.
Arteta backs Martinelli to step up after Saka injury
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Wilson and Muniz pounce late to cast doubt on Chelsea's title credentials
Perhaps there will be some debate around Fulham's equaliser after 82 minutes of this 2-1 derby win for Marco Silva's team at Stamford Bridge.
Jones and Salah clear path at the top for Liverpool
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Tonali helps Newcastle ease past 10-man Villa
Sandro Tonali has brought Newcastle an abundance of gifts but perhaps foremost among them is the rare ability to slow games down that offers Eddie Howe's high-intensity team the sort of invaluable control they have so often lacked in recent months.
Elanga takes Forest third and deepens Postecoglou's pain
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Haaland's wasted spot-kick adds to Guardiola's gloom
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Fabianski carried off but Bowen edges out Juric's new Saints
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'Rubbish game' but Guéhi content with valuable point
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