As we’ve reportedly, today marks the funeral of former deputy prime minister John Prescott in Hull.
The gathering of the Labour family is likely to be the party’s biggest and most high-profile funeral since leader John Smith died from a double heart attack in 1994, aged just 55.
It was after Mr Smith’s death that Sir Tony was elected leader, defeating Lord Prescott, who became his deputy. It was to be an enduring partnership between Blair the moderniser and Prescott the traditionalist.
Announcing details of the funeral, taking place at noon, Hull City Council said it would be a service to honour Lord Prescott’s life and legacy and would be invite-only.
The council said Lord Prescott’s widow Pauline and his sons David and Johnathan had invited more than 300 family, friends and colleagues to pay their respects
The family said in a statement earlier this week: “We wish to thank everyone for their love and support on the passing of our husband, father and grandfather.
“To hear so many wonderful tributes from people who knew John has been a great source of comfort to us as we dealt with our grief.
“We hope the service will be an opportunity to celebrate his life and his love of Hull and its people.”
Instead of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Alzheimer’s Research UK. Lord Prescott, who had a stroke in 2019, had been living with Alzheimer’s in a care home when he died.