John Prescott was an old-style political bruiser who played a vital role in the New Labour project. He scorned what he called "the beautiful people" - the men in smart suits with red roses and mobile phones who became the new face of Labour.

Former British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, who served under Tony Blair, has died, aged 86. His working-class background made him an unusual figure in the British political landscape.

He was a cruise ship waiter before rising in the trade union movement and becoming one of the country’s best-known Labour politicians under Tony Blair.