Suffering from Alzheimer's disease

Ex-British Prime Minister John Prescott (86) passes away

John Prescott in 2015(Bild: AFP)

John Prescott, the former Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, died on Wednesday at the age of 86. Prescott was a formative figure in British politics and played a central role in Tony Blair's government. 

Prescott is said to have "passed away peacefully" on Wednesday after suffering from Alzheimer's disease for a long time, his family announced on Thursday. The enfant terrible had long since retired from the political stage.

As a long-standing Labour Party MP and Deputy Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007, he was known for his distinctive, often controversial manner.

After egg attack: Prescott threw himself at demonstrator
Many of Prescott's contemporaries are likely to remember the following images in particular: the politician, sometimes described as irascible, once attacked the demonstrator Craig Evans, who had thrown an egg at him during an election campaign visit to Rhyl in North Wales in 2001. Prescott didn't hesitate for a second and lunged at Evans. The two men ended up scuffling in front of the cameras.

Prescott in 2017(Bild: AFP )

Prescott also repeatedly made headlines outside of parliament, for example through his commitment to environmental protection policy or his public disputes with the press. 

In addition, he was particularly committed to social engagement and the modernization of British infrastructure and the expansion of public transport.