John Smith 1938-1994:: Donald Macintyre and Patricia Wynn Davies assess the potential contenders for the Labour leadership: John Prescott, 52
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Current post: employment spokesman
Born in Prestatyn, North Wales, the son of a white-collar railwayman, the former steward on Cunard passenger liners was an activist during the 1966 strike by the National Union of Seamen.
Known for his short fuse, sometimes directed towards the media, he often seems on the point of breaking out against his more circumspect colleagues from a left position. He is sometimes seen as a left-wing - and more sober - version of the late George Brown.
Popular with loyalist audiences and blunt spoken, his greatest hour recently was his delivery of the 'one member, one vote' reforms for John Smith through a powerful platform speech at last year's Labour party conference.
Far shrewder than his public persona and still-boyish enthusiasm may suggest, he has been erroneously branded as inflexible and old-fashioned.
Yet it was he who successfully persuaded Mr Smith and Neil Kinnock to modify Treasury rules to allow more private sector investment in railways, and who from a union base helped persuade the unions they had to reduce their hold on Labour party elections.
Enemies still say he has a chip on his shoulder, is politically irresponsible and is too much of a rough diamond to be party leader.
Friends say his directness and straight-speaking endear him to many voters, and that he is one of the most assiduous political ambulance-chasers in the business.
He still gives the impression of a politician with feelings in an age of cynicism among both parliamentarians and public.
He is a jazz fan. His wife, Pauline, bears more than a passing resemblance to a younger Joan Collins.
(Photograph omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments