LEFT and right in Labour briefly united today to pay tribute to the party’s former deputy leader John Prescott, who has died aged 86.

Prescott, a former activist in the seafarers’ union, served as deputy prime minister under Tony Blair from 1997 until the latter’s resignation in 2007. 

Mr Blair described him as “one of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics. 

“One of the most committed and loyal, and definitely the most unusual. There were no rules he really abided by.”

Prescott spent much of his time in government mediating between the ever-feuding Mr Blair and his successor Gordon Brown, but he united them in his passing.

Mr Brown said: “He wanted the good things in life for everyone and not just himself. And he showed that Britain can be a country where if you work hard you can fulfill your potential.”

Prescott was remembered in the Commons today as a “titan” of British politics who inspired working-class boys and girls.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle led tributes to Prescott who, according to his family, was “latterly living with Alzheimer’s.”

Sir Lindsay said: “He was a towering figure in the Labour trade union movement and a campaigner for workers.

“A fearless, loyal, active unionist and dedicated parliamentarian — an advocate for his constituents.”

Prescott has been criticised for providing a patina of working-class credibility to the neoliberalism of the Blair-Brown years, but he was also very loyal to Jeremy Corbyn throughout his later leadership of the party.

“John was a huge figure and personality, from his seafaring union days to the highest offices in government,” Mr Corbyn said.  

“I will be forever grateful for his personal and political support in the 2017 and 2019 elections. His endless warmth and iconic wit were loved on the campaign trail.”

It was on the campaign trail that provided one of the most iconic images of his career when he punched a protester who had thrown an egg at him during the 2001 election.

TSSA general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said: “John Prescott was a giant of the labour movement and our union is deeply saddened to hear of his passing.

“Throughout his life John was an authentic trade unionist and a talented and fearless advocate for millions of working-class people.

“Rising to the top of the Labour Party he was years ahead of his time on vital issues including the climate crisis.

“Our thoughts are with his family and many friends today.”