THE Prime Minister joined two of his predecessors at the funeral service for the late Labour deputy leader John Prescott in Hull today.

Sir Keir Starmer joined Gordon Brown and Sir Tony Blair, whom Prescott served as deputy throughout his time in office, alongside other mourners at the city’s minster church.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves and London Mayor Sadiq Khan were also present. 

The former MP for Kingston upon Hull East was borne into the church by four pallbearers, accompanied by former Downing Street spin doctor Alastair Campbell playing the bagpipes.

Britain’s new ambassador to Washington Lord Peter Mandelson, a sparring partner of Prescott’s in New Labour’s heyday, was in attendance along with Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle.

Prescott died last November aged 86. A one-time militant trade unionist, he was loyal to Tony Blair’s government despite his scepticism regarding its general culture.

Almost uniquely among New Labour’s high command, he was also loyal to Jeremy Corbyn when the latter became party leader, long after his own retirement.