A Bolton MP has paid tribute to the former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott who has died at the age of 86.

The long serving MP, trade union activist and former merchant seaman died surrounded by relatives after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s, his family have said.

Bolton South and Walkden MP Yasmin Qureshi was one of many people across the political spectrum to pay tribute.

She said: “I got to know John in the Members Tea Rooms and I respected his passion and pride in the work he had done in government. 

“He was a lovely man who saw the best in everyone and didn’t believe in demonising minorities.

Bolton South and Walkden MP Yasmin Qureshi Bolton South and Walkden MP Yasmin Qureshi (Image: Office of Yasmin Qureshi)

“He’ll be missed by all of us in the Labour Party.”

She was joined by Bolton West MP Phil Brickell, who was first elected earlier this year.

Mr Brickell said: "John Prescott will always be remembered as a great stalwart of the Labour Party.

"His humour was ever present.

"His service to the people of Hull as their MP for 40 years, Deputy Prime Minister for 10 years and life peer since 2010 will be remembered not just by the Labour Party but the country as well.

"John was a guy who brought politics to life and life to politics.

"My thoughts go to his family at this sad time."

The former Deputy Prime Minister was ennobled in 2010 and introduced to the upper chamber as Baron Prescott of Kingston upon Hull having served for four decades as an MP for the city.

In a statement released after Lord Prescott’s death, his wife Pauline and sons, Johnathan and David, said that representing the people of Hull had been “his greatest honour”.

“We are deeply saddened to inform you that our beloved husband, father and grandfather, John Prescott, passed away peacefully yesterday at the age of 86,” they said.

“He did so surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery.

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“John spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment, doing so from his time as a waiter on the cruise liners to becoming Britain’s longest serving deputy prime minister.

“John dearly loved his home of Hull and representing its people in Parliament for 40 years was his greatest honour. We would like to thank the amazing NHS doctors and nurses who cared for him after his stroke in 2019 and the dedicated staff at the care home where he passed away after latterly living with Alzheimer’s.

“In lieu of flowers and if you wish to do so, you can donate to Alzheimer’s Research UK.

“As you can imagine, our family needs to process our grief so we respectfully request time and space to mourn in private. Thank you.”