John Prescott dies: Tributes paid to former deputy prime minister

His family said he had ‘spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment’.

Lord Prescott was a key figure of Sir Tony Blair’s New Labour project, seen by many as custodian of the party’s traditional values in the face of a modernising leadership.

John Prescott revisited the harbour gates which he had opened in 1998 while on the campaign trail with Copeland by-election Labour candidate Gillian Troughton in 2017 (Image: Archive)

He visited Whitehaven on a number of occasions, most recently joining Labour candidate Gillian Troughton on the campaign trail during the Copeland by-election in 2017.

The ex-merchant seaman officially opened Whitehaven marina's sea lock gates in 1998 and took the opportunity to re-visit the harbour gates in 2017.

John Prescott opening the Whitehaven Harbour gates in 1998 (Image: John Story)

He also watched the William Pit parade pass on Whitehaven Harbour in August 2007.

Mike Hawkins, Labour member and Cumberland councillor for Mirehouse said: "I met him twice - once when opened the dock gates and the last time was in 2017 when he helped Gillian at the Copeland by-election. He came in with his 1997 pledge card and right off the cuff made a rousing speech.

"He was a true great of the Labour movement who stood by every leader for the good of the party. We could do with a few more like him today. He will be sadly missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family."

Linda Jones-Bulman, Labour member and vice chair of Cumberland Council, said: “A very sad loss to us all. A true stalwart of the real Labour Party, of the same ilk as Denis Skinner.”

Joseph Ghayouba, Cumberland councillor for Bransty (Labour) said: "John Prescott was a staunch trade unionist who got into politics through the trade union movement and went on to become deputy prime minister.

"From the left of our party, he's an example of what the Labour Party can achieve when it works together as a broad church."

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Josh MacAlister, Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said: “I first met John on the campaign trail nearly 20 years ago during his time as Deputy Prime Minister. He was full of life and had a way of connecting with people that is too rare in politics.

John Prescott shows his original New Labour card from 1997 at Carlisle railway station at the launch of the election campaign in 2010 (Image: David Hollins)

“He was a legend in the Labour and trade union movement and made a lasting impact and contribution during his time in government.

“My thoughts go out to his family and all who knew him. I hope they are comforted in the knowledge that his legacy will live on.”