Former deputy prime minister John Prescott has died aged 86 following a battle with Alzheimer's.
Lord Prescott's family, who announced his death, said he had 'spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment'.
The former trade union activist and ex-merchant seaman died 'peacefully' and surrounded by relatives at his care home, they said.
One little known fact about the former deputy prime minister was that he once worked at one of Warrington's most famous hotels.
John Prescott was a commis chef at the Patten Arms hotel in the 1950s.
His wife Pauline recalled this was where former deputy Prime Minister John had planned to propose to her.
In her autobiography she says Mr Prescott had planned to propose to her at the pub opposite Bank Quay station in 1959.
She says: “We took the train to Warrington but a few miles out of the station John became increasingly nervous.
“He’d never been very confident in public.
“Not far from our destination, he suddenly turned to me and said: ‘Listen Paul, when we get to the restaurant everyone’s going to be watching and waiting for the moment I pull out the ring. It’ll be embarrassing.’”
He then proposed to her inside the train toilet!
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