John Prescott had a storied political career but his most memorable moment was arguably when he punched a protester on the election trail in 2001. The then deputy prime minister, who died on Wednesday,

The Labour former prime minister’s voice quavered as he paid tribute to his deputy prime minister, who has died aged 86.

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