Working class hero to peer of the realm – Prescott to campaign in the Lords
HE IS the nation's most famous class warrior, the former Hull MP with little time for "flunkery and titles".
But yesterday it was revealed that after 40 years at the sharp end of British politics, John Prescott is to leave his natural habitat and join the ermine-clad peers in the House of Lords.
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Honour: John Prescott will be joining the peers in the House of Lords.
Mr Prescott, or Lord Prescott as he will soon be known, was among more than 50 senior figures elevated to Parliament's upper chamber yesterday.
The former deputy prime minister, who represented East Hull until the election, issued only a brief statement last night.
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"I welcome the opportunity to continue to campaign in Parliament for jobs, social justice and the environment as well as to hold this Con-Lib Government to account," he wrote on his blog.
His appointment as a life peer marks another stage in Mr Prescott's remarkable career, which has included spells as a trainee chef, ship's steward and trade union official.
Entering Parliament in 1970, he quickly made a name for himself with his plain-speaking and combative style.
And when Labour swept to power in 1997, he was at the heart of British politics as Tony Blair's deputy and Downing Street power broker.
Hull North MP Diana Johnson summed up the mood among many in the Labour Party yesterday, saying: "I look forward to seeing John Prescott in his new role. Westminster wouldn't be the same without him."
Alan Johnson, Hull West and Hessle MP and former cabinet colleague, said he was "delighted" by the news.
"I think it's really good for him and Pauline, and great for Hull and the country."
And Mr Johnson said the popular image of Mr Prescott as a political streetfighter – he famously threw a punch at one egg-throwing protester – was unfair.
"It's a mischaracterisation to say he's bullish. I've seen him at times when he's been very subtle. John's politically skilled.
"He brings a wealth of experience and a background that won't be replicated by many in the future, of coming where he came from to be deputy leader of the Labour Party."
Mr Prescott faced charges of hypocrisy yesterday, having previously been dismissive of both "flunkery and titles" and hereditary peers.
Mr Johnson dismissed the criticism, saying: "John won't like dressing up in ermine and he won't like the pomp and circumstance, but it's absolutely wrong for people to criticise him. He's going to the House of Lords in pursuit of his political objective, which has always been to bring about a predominately elected House of Lords, and you need Labour people in there to do that."
Recently elected Hull East MP Karl Turner said it was "excellent news" that his predecessor would be taking up his seat in the Lords.
He said: "I'm really pleased for John. He's been a Member of Parliament for 40 years and on that basis he deserves to be rewarded for his services to the constituency, the Labour Party and the trade unions."
But Mr Prescott faced criticism from campaign group Power 2010, which recently visited Hull with a petition urging him not to accept a peerage.
"No wonder people are put off politics when they see MPs standing down or voted out, only to return zombie-like to Parliament within a few weeks," said campaigner Guy Aitchison.
Conservative MP for Brigg and Goole Andrew Percy also questioned Mr Prescott's decision.
He said: "I don't begrudge John Prescott his seat in the Lords, given his long tenure of service as both an MP and a minister.
"However, there is an element of hypocrisy in a self-appointed working class champion selling out his principles at the first chance to become a member of the aristocracy. The sooner the House of Lords is mainly elected, the better."
Comments
by audreyrichardson, usa
Friday, January 21 2011, 9:21PM
“funny how your views change when you get offered something you have previously scorned!!!! perhaps he can now shut up for awhile.”
by geoff, wawne
Monday, May 31 2010, 8:17AM
“But yesterday it was revealed that after 40 years at the sharp end of British politics, John Prescott is to leave his natural habitat and join the ermine-clad peers in the House of Lords.
More faces than the town hall clock....
Fat, phoney tub of lard.”
by S.K.Bentley, Hull
Monday, May 31 2010, 7:49AM
“Now where can a big fat waste of space go,who has done nothing but grunt eat and sh+t fot the rest of his life?
I know,the House of Lords,just the same there then.
But there again,how would he earn money to feed mimself?,he doesnt know anything,never passed an exam,even failed his 11 plus.
The tax payers will still be funding this waste of a good pair of lungs etc 'till the day he drops down, he will still claim expenses for the funeral,no doubt.
Pack up and move down south,he's an adopted southerner,as i told him a few years ago,to his face.”
by Cazanne, West Hull
Monday, May 31 2010, 2:07AM
“I think that one reason why, hypocrite, John Prescott was given a life peerage, was to keep him quiet! He wasn't really liked by Blair & co but he would be a loose cannon to the Labour party. I am sure he could spill a few beans about the party and as they say....keep your friends close and your enemies closer!”
by Mike, Ex Hull
Sunday, May 30 2010, 9:20PM
“Tommy,
No more needs to be said or written,
spot on”
by Rambling Sid, Round the horn
Sunday, May 30 2010, 9:04PM
“Try this one. It can be sung to the tune of ¿Lovely Joan¿
A noble lord it was indeed
He mounted upon his milk white steed
Intending to ride his manor around
From Longhill Estate into the town.
That poor horse¿s heart now skipped a beat
For he knew what had happened to the toilet seat
His lovely white coat turned quite grey
And he begged someone call for the RSPCA.
The poor horse began to number his days
For he knew this lord and his sailor ways
He thought that he was about to endorse
The old tradition of flogging the dead horse.
By the time they reached the Four In Hand
The poor old beast could hardly stand.
And as they pulled close to The Bank
It¿s down on its knees it sadly sank.
The horse lay gasping on the floor
Loudly sobbing ¿I can take neigh more!
I¿m only fit as fodder for the flies
Oh why did you eat so many, many pies?¿
At this his lady fair did mention
¿You have a car with reinforced suspension
Why did you bother with this weak kneed nag
It would make more sense to have taken the Jag.”
by Amazed Rail Pasenger, Platform 2
Sunday, May 30 2010, 8:39PM
“Well, now that he is a Lord, I hope that the young lady who inspects tickets at Paragon Station will show some respect to his lordship & step aside when he comes through. Being barged aside by a member of the Commons is bad enough, but having a true blood toff snarl at you is just bad form.”
by Tommy, Hull
Sunday, May 30 2010, 6:53PM
“To quote the last sentence of Animal Farm;
" The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which."”
by dave, hull
Sunday, May 30 2010, 2:10PM
“do you get a peerage when the only bill you pay is Mr Choo's. but this is only when you get the money back.
you can also put your jag in a disabled parking bay because the tax payer pays for your bills so if he gets a ticket we pay for it.if you get a peerage for theft then he deserves what he gets. this is why the country is in a state because of people like him. i am ashamed to say i come from hull and england because of people like this.”
by J, Cottingham
Sunday, May 30 2010, 1:21PM
“That, Charles in Cott, is because the people of East Hull are also illiterate hogs, and a flock of sheep who rob from grannies, because their parents and parents' parents did it, and so vote for Prescott because it is the way wot its dun.”