John Prescott, the former deputy prime minister of Britain, has passed away at the age of 86 after battling Alzheimer's. He was known for his plain-speaking style and bridging the divide between left-wing and modernizers in the Labour Party.
Key Points
Served as deputy prime minister under Tony Blair from 1997 to 2007
Played a key role in Labour Party's election victories
Acted as a peace broker between Blair and Gordon Brown
Pros
Known for plain-speaking style
Bridged divide within Labour Party
Worked on negotiating the Kyoto Protocol on climate change
Cons
Punched a member of the public during an election campaign