John Prescott, the pugnacious deputy prime minister to Britain's Tony Blair during his 10 years in government, has died aged 86 after a battle with Alzheimer's, his family said on Thursday.

Former deputy prime minister John Prescott has died aged 86 following a battle with Alzheimer’s, with Sir Tony Blair leading tributes to him as a “committed and loyal” public servant.Lord Prescott’s family,

The charismatic deputy prime minister, who has died at the age of 86, was known best for punching a member of the electorate and acting as a vital bridge for Tony Blair to reach the unions