A former Workington MP has paid tribute to John Prescott, who has died aged 86.
Sir Tony Cunningham, who represented Workington from 2001 to 2015, worked closely with the Deputy Prime Minister when he served in junior posts in the Blair and Brown governments from 2004 to 2010.
Lord Prescott, a former trade union activist, was Tony Blair’s deputy for 10 years after Labour’s 1997 election landslide.
In a statement announcing his death, Lord Prescott’s wife and two sons said he had been in a care home recently living with Alzheimer’s.
Sir Tony said: “John was a character and loved the Lake District. He was a frequent visitor to Cumbria and had a holiday home here.
“He had a reputation, but he was down to earth. He will be much missed.”
