Hull City Council pays tribute to Lord Prescott

Hull City Council is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lord Prescott, who has died at the age of 86.

The former Deputy Prime Minister represented the city as the MP for Hull East for 40 years following his election in 1970.

In a statement announcing his death, his family said he died surrounded by his loved ones, and they paid tribute to the doctors and nurses who had looked after him following a stroke in 2019, as well as those who had more recently cared for him whilst he had been living with Alzheimer's.

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

The Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Mike Ross, said: "Firstly, I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to John Prescott's family and friends on the news of his passing.

"John was a remarkable figure who had a tremendous impact on the course of the nation.

"He was an extremely significant figure in the Labour government of Tony Blair, who oversaw important changes to how the country was run.

"He was, though, always committed to his constituency and the city of Hull and there are many organisations in the city that benefited from his help and assistance.

"I am sure his family can look back on a life well lived and take great comfort in all that he achieved."

The Leader of the Labour Group on Hull City Council, Councillor Daren Hale, said: "John was an absolute giant of the Labour & Trade Union movement, who adored his adopted city, which he served with such distinction.

"Even after his 40 years as MP for Hull East, John participated fully in local life, and we feel personally privileged that he still found time to pop into the Guildhall to see us after catching the bus down from Sutton from time to time.

"He is a local, national and international political legend and will be so sadly missed.

"Our love and thoughts are with his family."

The Chief Executive of Hull City Council, Matt Jukes, said: "I first met John when working as Director of the Port of Hull.

"Given his Merchant Navy history, this was always very close to his heart, especially the increasing role the city plays in the green energy revolution with our wind turbine blade factory, which he was extremely proud of.

"Latterly, working with John through my role with the Council, he was always very focussed on how the city and region could work with business to create investment and employment opportunities for our people and, even when he retired, he remained very active and would help in any way he could.

"John was a giant in politics and always a vocal and effective champion for the city of Hull.

"He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with John's family and friends on this very sad day."

Further tributes are expected to be paid to Lord Prescott during today's meeting of Full Council which takes place at the Guildhall from 10am (and can be viewed via the following link: Full Council Meeting - Thursday 21 November 2024 - YouTube), whilst the Guildhall flag is flying at half-mast.