THE Mayor of Norton has paid tribute to former deputy prime minister John Prescott who played a crucial part in the campaign for local flood defences.

Lord Prescott has died aged 86 following a battle with Alzheimers.

Cllr Di Keal said: "I was very much saddened to hear today of the death of John Prescott. I met him when he took the trouble to visit Norton during the devastating 2000 floods.

"His visit played a crucial part in our campaign for the flood defences for Malton, Norton and Old Malton.

"There was a lot of anger around and he was given quite a hard time by people who had been flooded out of their homes and businesses for the second time in two years. But he took it in his stride and listened and saw for himself the huge impact the flooding had on the town and the misery we were facing.

"It was a massive battle to win the campaign for the £10.3million flood defences to be built and his visit was significant step in making it happen."

Lord Prescott's family, who announced his death, said he had "spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment".

The former trade union activist and ex-merchant seaman died "peacefully" and surrounded by relatives at his care home, they said.

Former prime minister Sir Tony said he was "devastated" by Lord Prescott's death, adding: "He was one of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics; one of the most committed and loyal; and definitely the most unusual."

Sir Tony continued: "He will deservedly occupy a special place in the pantheon of the Labour leadership; he will be mourned by his many friends and fans around the world and for me personally, today is a day of profound sadness but also immense pride in having known him and worked with him: a great man and great servant of country and party."

His successor, Gordon Brown, said "former boxer" Lord Prescott was "key to holding the ring and keeping things together during difficult times such as over Iraq".

He added: "John Lennon said the the working class hero is a difficult thing to be, but I think John would be just fine with being remembered that way. He wanted the good things in life for everyone and not just himself. And he showed that Britain can be a country where if you work hard you can fill your potential."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Lord Prescott was a "true giant of the Labour movement" and one of the "key architects" of the last Labour government.

Lord Prescott ceased to be a member of the upper House in July this year after facing health difficulties.

He had only spoken once in the chamber since suffering a stroke in 2019, official records show, and had not voted since February 2023.

Over a parliamentary career spanning more than half a century, Lord Prescott served for 10 years as deputy prime minister after Labour's 1997 general election landslide.

At times short-tempered, he once famously punched a protester who threw an egg at him during an election campaign visit to North Wales in 2001.

But during much of his time in office, he acted as a mediator in the often turbulent relationship between Sir Tony and chancellor Gordon Brown.

He also oversaw the environment, transport and the regions, a brief which included helping to negotiate the international Kyoto Protocol on climate change.

Lord Prescott was a loyal supporter of Sir Tony in office but subsequently critical of parts of New Labour's legacy, denouncing Britain's involvement in the Iraq War.

He also strongly defended Jeremy Corbyn during his time as party leader in the face of fierce criticism.

Born in Prestatyn, Wales, on May 31 1938, the son of a railwayman, Lord Prescott left school at the age of 15 to work as a trainee chef and then as a steward on the Cunard Line before entering politics.

In a private letter in 2007, Sir Tony said his former deputy's role "smoothing out problems, sorting out colleagues and trouble-shooting" had been an "integral part of getting things done".

The former prime minister said: "The completely unique Prescott blend of charm and brutality - made always more effective by the unpredictability of which would be predominant - got you through the decade, kept the government together and above all, gave me a lot of fun. I was lucky to have you as my deputy."