30 Facts About John Prescott

Early Life and Education

John Leslie Prescott, Baron Prescott of Kingston-upon-Hull, is a prominent British politician known for his working-class roots and dedication to the Labour Party. Let's explore his early life and education.

1. Born on May 31, 1938, in Prestatyn, Wales, Prescott came from a working-class family. His grandfather was a coal miner, and his father worked as a railwayman.

2. At age four, his family moved to Brinsworth in West Yorkshire, where he attended primary school.

3. To avoid National Service, Prescott joined the Merchant Navy, working as a steward and waiter on Cunard Line passenger ships.

4. In 1957, he served former Prime Minister Anthony Eden during a notable cruise to New Zealand.

5. Prescott married Pauline "Tilly" Tilston in 1961 at Upton Church in Chester, and they had two children together.

6. He became a left-wing union activist during his time in the Merchant Navy, later becoming a full-time official of the National Union of Seamen.

7. After his stint in the Merchant Navy, Prescott attended Ruskin College in Oxford, earning a diploma in economics and politics in 1965.

8. He continued his studies at the University of Hull, graduating with a BSc in economics and economic history in 1968.

Political Beginnings

Prescott's political journey began with his involvement in the Labour Party and the National Union of Seamen. His early political career set the stage for his future success.

9. In March 1966, Prescott stood unsuccessfully for the House of Commons constituency of Southport but helped organize a seamen’s strike three months later.

10. He was nominated for the safe Labour constituency of Hull East, which he won in 1970, marking the start of his long tenure as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Hull East until 2010.

11. Between 1975 and 1979, Prescott served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), further solidifying his commitment to European affairs and the Labour Party.

12. Until the Labour leadership contest of 1994, Prescott held various posts in Labour's Shadow Cabinet, preparing him for the challenges he would face as Deputy Prime Minister.

Rise to Deputy Prime Minister

Prescott's rise to Deputy Prime Minister was marked by his strong working-class background and his ability to connect with Labour's core supporters.

13. In the 1994 Labour Party leadership election, Prescott stood for both the leadership and deputy leadership. Although Tony Blair won the leadership, Prescott defeated Margaret Beckett for the deputy leadership by 57 to 43 percent.

14. Prescott’s robust manner, working-class roots, and trade union background made him an ideal foil for the middle-class, Oxford-educated Tony Blair.

15. When Labour swept into power in 1997, Prescott was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

16. He played a crucial role in brokering the Kyoto Protocol, a landmark international agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

17. During his tenure, Prescott implemented significant reforms to the British transportation system, aiming to improve public transportation and reduce congestion.

18. He formed regional development councils to promote economic growth and development across different regions of the UK.

19. Prescott oversaw the creation of the post of a directly elected mayor of London, decentralizing power and increasing local accountability.

Mediator and Controversies

Prescott often acted as a mediator within the Labour Party and faced several controversies during his political career.

20. He frequently mediated between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, who had contentious relationships, brokering truces between Labour’s two most powerful leaders.

21. In 2003, Prescott supported the invasion of Iraq but later expressed doubts about its legality and intelligence, reflecting his views in the Chilcot Inquiry.

22. During the 2001 general election campaign, Prescott was involved in a public brawl with a protester who threw an egg at him. Despite the embarrassment, opinion polls showed voters approved of his handling of the matter.

23. After Labour’s landslide victory in 2001, Prescott lost his super ministry in a cabinet reshuffle but remained Deputy Prime Minister and retained oversight of regional issues.

24. In 2001, he was given the title of First Secretary of State, which he held until 2007, emphasizing his importance within the Labour government.

Post-Political Career

Even after resigning as Deputy Prime Minister, Prescott remained a significant political figure and continued to influence British politics.

25. In June 2007, Prescott resigned as Deputy Prime Minister, coinciding with Tony Blair’s resignation as Prime Minister. He was replaced by Harriet Harman as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.

26. After his resignation, Prescott became the main UK representative in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, campaigning against slave labor.

27. In 2010, he was awarded a life peerage and entered the House of Lords as Baron Prescott, of Kingston upon Hull in the County of East Yorkshire.

28. In 2012, Lord Prescott was the Labour candidate for the post of Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside Police. Although he won the most first-preference votes, he ultimately lost to Conservative Matthew Grove in the second count.

29. Prescott has featured in several BBC documentaries, including "Prescott: The Class System and Me" and "Prescott: The North/South Divide," exploring the class system in Britain and the North-South Divide.

30. In 2019, he hosted the television series "Made in Britain," exploring the manufacturing of some of Britain's favorite foods, showcasing his continued interest in British industry and culture.

John Prescott's Lasting Impact

John Prescott's journey from a working-class background to the heart of British politics is nothing short of remarkable. His dedication to the Labour Party, his role as Deputy Prime Minister, and his efforts in environmental and transportation reforms have left a significant mark. Prescott's ability to mediate between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown showcased his importance within the party. Even after his resignation, he continued to influence politics through his work in the House of Lords and various public roles. His legacy as a champion for the working class and his contributions to British politics remain influential. Prescott's life and career serve as a testament to the impact one individual can have on their country, making him a notable figure in modern British history.