John Prescott: Former deputy prime minister in hospital after stroke

The 81-year-old was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary and is receiving 'excellent care from the NHS', his family say

Former deputy prime minister John Prescott is in hospital after suffering a stroke, his family has announced.

The 81-year-old was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary on Friday and is currently being treated by doctors.

Lord Prescott’s family said in a statement on Monday: “John was taken to hospital last Friday after suffering a stroke.

“We would like to praise the swift actions of the ambulance staff and the doctors and nurses at Hull Royal Infirmary’s A&E and stroke unit.

“They have been remarkable and we cannot thank them enough.

“He is receiving excellent care from the NHS but we would respectfully request at this time that John and our family are given the privacy we need so that he can have the time and space to make a full recovery.”

Reacting to the news, Tony Blair, the former prime minister, said: “My thoughts are with John, Pauline and all the family. Hoping very much that he gets better soon.”

Wes Streeting, Labour MP for Ilford North and a member of the Treasury Committee, tweeted: “Wishing John well – and looking forward to him being back in the tea room giving me a ticking off again soon!”

Angela Eagle, MP for Wallasey, said: “My first boss in government – get well soon John.”

While Andrew Gwynne, Labour MP for Denton and Reddish and shadow secretary of state, added: “Hoping for a speedy recovery. Take care John.”

A former trade union activist, John Prescott served for 10 years as Tony Blair’s deputy prime minister following Labour’s 1997 general election landslide.

During much of that time, he acted as a conciliator in the often turbulent relationship between Mr Blair and the chancellor, Gordon Brown.

While a loyal supporter of Mr Blair in office, in more recent years he has been critical of elements of New Labour’s legacy denouncing Britain’s involvement in the Iraq War.

He has strongly defended Jeremy Corbyn in the face of fierce criticism by other figures from the New Labour era.

Additional reporting by Press Association