Former British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, who served under Tony Blair, has died, aged 86. His working-class background made him an unusual figure in the British political landscape. Britain 's former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, who was known among other things for his work on the Kyoto Protocol climate change agreement in 1997, has died in a care home, aged 86, his family said on Thursday.
"We are deeply saddened to inform you that our beloved husband, father and grandfather, John Prescott, passed away yesterday (Wednesday) at the age of 86," a statement read. The family said Prescott had "spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment." Prescott served as deputy prime minister to Tony Blair from 1997 to 2007 and is credited with having helped Blair to move the leftist Labour Party toward the political center by using his working-class credentials to appease extreme left-wing elements.
He later was made a life peer and was appointed to the House of Lords, the upper house of Parliament, a position he gave up in July amid health problems, having had a stroke five years previously in addition to suffering from Alzheimer's disease. 'Two Jags' — and 'two jabs' The Welsh-born Prescott initially worked as a ship's steward and trade union activist, with the latter occupation leading to his entry into politics. An amateur boxer in his youth, he was known for his pugnacious character and once punched.