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06/06/2003
Prescott puts diplomacy on the long finger
John Prescott, the man who nominally keeps his hand on the tiller of Great Britain plc when Tony Blair is out of the country, raised a hand – and two fingers – in salute of the press pack outside Downing Street yesterday.
Deputy Prime Minister Prescott – formerly nicknamed Two Jags (for his appreciation of luxury cars) and latterly Two Jabs (for lashing out at an egg thrower) – has now been dubbed 'Two Fingers' after he angrily offered the V sign to journalists and photographers.
The press pack was gathering outside Number 10 as Cabinet ministers arrived for their last full meeting before Chancellor Gordon Brown makes the widely anticipated 'not yet' euro announcement on Monday.
But when the press corps called for comment, Mr Prescott turned on his heel and as he entered the door of Number 10 flipped a V sign behind his back. And so made front-page news in the process.
The straight-talking John Prescott has had an uneasy relationship with the press in the past. The Hull MP's idiosyncratic turn of phrase earned him the title of public figure most likely to mangle the English language in a Harper Collins survey of 100 writers and broadcasters.
Mr Prescott once referred to "the sceptre of unemployment stalking the north east", and promised to "build on" the government's creation of more green belts.
The deputy prime minister gained notoriety in 1999 for taking his ministerial Jaguar 200 yards from the front door his hotel to the Labour Party Conference because "the wife" didn't want to mess up her hair.
Then came his punchy retaliation to an egg thrower in the 2001 general election campaign.
Mr Prescott is an uncomplicated and passionate Labour stalwart who does not suffer fools gladly – nor Peter Mandelson and the Downing Street spin machine.
He represents old-style Labour and many believe that he owes his current position in the Cabinet through his perceived closeness to the trade unions. However, that reputation took a battering during the fire fighters strike when he threatened to impose a deal on the fire service.
After yesterday's antics, the equally sensitive and volatile national press have called for Prescott's removal at the next reshuffle. However, following the resignations and marginalizing of independent-minded Labour ministers like Mo Mowlam, Robin Cook, Clare Short and Tony Banks, John Prescott is a lively and lonley alternative to 'New' Labour's new breed of ambitious rising stars like David Milliband and Paul Boateng.
Nevertheless, Prescott is a political heavyweight who has proved himself as a loyal supporter of the Prime Minister in times of need. Mr Blair may not be gesturing his deputy toward the door just yet.
(GMcG)
Deputy Prime Minister Prescott – formerly nicknamed Two Jags (for his appreciation of luxury cars) and latterly Two Jabs (for lashing out at an egg thrower) – has now been dubbed 'Two Fingers' after he angrily offered the V sign to journalists and photographers.
The press pack was gathering outside Number 10 as Cabinet ministers arrived for their last full meeting before Chancellor Gordon Brown makes the widely anticipated 'not yet' euro announcement on Monday.
But when the press corps called for comment, Mr Prescott turned on his heel and as he entered the door of Number 10 flipped a V sign behind his back. And so made front-page news in the process.
The straight-talking John Prescott has had an uneasy relationship with the press in the past. The Hull MP's idiosyncratic turn of phrase earned him the title of public figure most likely to mangle the English language in a Harper Collins survey of 100 writers and broadcasters.
Mr Prescott once referred to "the sceptre of unemployment stalking the north east", and promised to "build on" the government's creation of more green belts.
The deputy prime minister gained notoriety in 1999 for taking his ministerial Jaguar 200 yards from the front door his hotel to the Labour Party Conference because "the wife" didn't want to mess up her hair.
Then came his punchy retaliation to an egg thrower in the 2001 general election campaign.
Mr Prescott is an uncomplicated and passionate Labour stalwart who does not suffer fools gladly – nor Peter Mandelson and the Downing Street spin machine.
He represents old-style Labour and many believe that he owes his current position in the Cabinet through his perceived closeness to the trade unions. However, that reputation took a battering during the fire fighters strike when he threatened to impose a deal on the fire service.
After yesterday's antics, the equally sensitive and volatile national press have called for Prescott's removal at the next reshuffle. However, following the resignations and marginalizing of independent-minded Labour ministers like Mo Mowlam, Robin Cook, Clare Short and Tony Banks, John Prescott is a lively and lonley alternative to 'New' Labour's new breed of ambitious rising stars like David Milliband and Paul Boateng.
Nevertheless, Prescott is a political heavyweight who has proved himself as a loyal supporter of the Prime Minister in times of need. Mr Blair may not be gesturing his deputy toward the door just yet.
(GMcG)
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09 May 2006
Prescott calls for end to leadership 'war'
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has called for supporters of Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown to stop their 'war' over the Labour party leadership. Mr Prescott, who made the comments in an interview with 'The Independent', said that an "orderly and smooth transition" was needed.
Prescott calls for end to leadership 'war'
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has called for supporters of Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown to stop their 'war' over the Labour party leadership. Mr Prescott, who made the comments in an interview with 'The Independent', said that an "orderly and smooth transition" was needed.
30 May 2006
Prescott faces increasing pressure to resign
Beleaguered Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is continuing to face increasing calls to resign. Mr Prescott, who is running the country this week while Prime Minister Tony Blair is on holiday, faced more controversy when photographs of him playing croquet at his country home on the day he took over from Mr Blair were published.
Prescott faces increasing pressure to resign
Beleaguered Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is continuing to face increasing calls to resign. Mr Prescott, who is running the country this week while Prime Minister Tony Blair is on holiday, faced more controversy when photographs of him playing croquet at his country home on the day he took over from Mr Blair were published.
27 September 2004
New plans set to get first time buyers on property ladder
Proposals to make better use of public sector land and help first time buyers have been outlined by the Deputy Prime Minister today. Smarter use of public sector-owned land and driving down spiralling construction costs would help people get onto the housing ladder, John Prescott said. Since 2003 the number of first time buyers has fallen by 27%.
New plans set to get first time buyers on property ladder
Proposals to make better use of public sector land and help first time buyers have been outlined by the Deputy Prime Minister today. Smarter use of public sector-owned land and driving down spiralling construction costs would help people get onto the housing ladder, John Prescott said. Since 2003 the number of first time buyers has fallen by 27%.
01 June 2006
Prescott surrenders Dorneywood retreat
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has given up his grace-and-favour home, Dorneywood, it has been announced. Mr Prescott has been heavily criticised for keeping Dorneywood, after he was stripped of his ministerial duties in last month's Cabinet reshuffle.
Prescott surrenders Dorneywood retreat
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has given up his grace-and-favour home, Dorneywood, it has been announced. Mr Prescott has been heavily criticised for keeping Dorneywood, after he was stripped of his ministerial duties in last month's Cabinet reshuffle.
05 July 2006
Prescott faces inquiry over US ranch stay
An inquiry has been launched into Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's stay at the ranch of a US billionaire involved in a bid to turn the Millennium Dome into a supercasino. It has emerged that Mr Prescott stayed at the Philip Anschutz's ranch in July last year and it is also believed that he met with the American tycoon on seven other occasions.
Prescott faces inquiry over US ranch stay
An inquiry has been launched into Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's stay at the ranch of a US billionaire involved in a bid to turn the Millennium Dome into a supercasino. It has emerged that Mr Prescott stayed at the Philip Anschutz's ranch in July last year and it is also believed that he met with the American tycoon on seven other occasions.
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