Former deputy prime minister John Prescott has died at the age of 86, his family has announced.

The former trade union activist and Labour veteran died “peacefully” at his care home following a battle with Alzheimer’s, his wife Pauline and sons Johnathan and David said in a statement.

“He did so surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery,” they said.

The family said Lord Prescott had spent his life “trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment”.

“John dearly loved his home of Hull and representing its people in Parliament for 40 years was his greatest honour,” they said.

“We would like to thank the amazing NHS doctors and nurses who cared for him after his stroke in 2019 and the dedicated staff at the care home where he passed away after latterly living with Alzheimer’s.”