THE Prestatyn-born former Labour Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has died at the age of 86 after a battle with Alzheimer's, his family has confirmed.

Mr Prescott served as MP for Kingston upon Hull East for 40 years, and played a key role in Tony Blair's New Labour government.

His family’s statement read: "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.

"John spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment, doing so from his time as a waiter on the cruise liners to becoming Britain’s longest-serving Deputy Prime Minister.

"John dearly loved his home of Hull and representing its people in Parliament for 40 years was his greatest honour.

"We would like to thank the amazing NHS doctors and nurses who cared for him after his stroke in 2019 and the dedicated staff at the care home where he passed away after latterly living with Alzheimer’s.

"In lieu of flowers and if you wish to do so, you can donate to Alzheimer’s Research UK.

"As you can imagine, our family needs to process our grief so we respectfully request time and space to mourn in private. Thank you."

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Gareth Davies, the Conservative MS for Vale of Clwyd, paid his own tribute to Mr Prescott, who he described as an “old-school politician”.

He recalled the incident in May 2001 when he was hit in the face by an egg as he made his way to a Labour Party rally at the Little Theatre in Rhyl prior to the 2001 UK general election.

John Prescott after being egged in RhylJohn Prescott after being egged in Rhyl (Image: Dave Kendall/PA Wire) Mr Prescott arrived on a bus in Rhyl bearing the name “The Prescott Express” that day.

He would return to Rhyl some nine years later to back Chris Ruane’s campaign to become MP of Vale of Clwyd, even posing with a Creme Egg and a boxing glove on that occasion.

Mr Davies said: “John Prescott was a political heavyweight who had very long and successful political career both as an MP and in Government under Tony Blair’s administration.

“He was born here in Prestatyn, and was always proud of his local Welsh roots.

“And who can forget that famous moment in Rhyl during the 2001 general election outside The Little Theatre!

“A different end of the political spectrum to myself, but he was certainly a character and an old-school politician that we don’t really see anymore. Rest in peace.”

Cllr Jason McLellan, Labour leader of Denbighshire County Council, said on behalf of the local authority's Labour group: “We as a Labour group are deeply saddened to hear of the death of John Prescott.

"He was a legend in the Labour movement and an inspiration to many.

"The working class lad, born here in Prestatyn, who rose from ship's waiter to Deputy Prime Minister, was a champion of social justice, and worked hard to improve the lives of others."

Gill German, the Labour MP for Clwyd North, described Mr Prescott as “forever synonymous with Rhyl”, and a “legend and a trailblazer”.

Becky Gittins, the Labour MP for Clwyd East, also passed on her condolences to the family of Mr Prescott, who she said was “always proud of his Welsh roots”.

Barry Mellor, a Labour councillor representing the Rhyl East ward on Denbighshire County Council, said: "John Prescott was a stalwart of the Labour Party.

"He held the Labour Party close to his heart, and always wanted to do good for the people.

"He will be sorely missed by everyone who crossed his path. May he rest in peace. My thoughts are with his family."

Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales and Leader of Welsh Labour, added: “John Prescott came to launch my campaign in Portmeirion when I stood to be an MEP in 1994.

“We had loads of coffee and croissants ready for the press, and not one person turned up!

“He told it straight, and you always knew where you stood. He connected in ways others could not – a key piece of the jigsaw for the Labour government. He will be missed by the Labour movement.”