The amiable John Prescott will be missed for many reasons. Today’s tributes have focused on his character and style such as his directness, his authenticity and his working class credentials. No-one is talking much about his policy achievements (though he had many) because he was a man who worked corporately and habitually allowed other people the credit. As Blair’s deputy, he took the chance to serve the whole, not his own show.

I had the honour of meeting him a few times at work. It felt incredibly important to all of us in the party to see a working-class man at the top. It was the rough edges that we liked. He came from the Labour Party that existed before we all started to wear suits and talk the lingo, and he acted as a bridge between that older tradition and a newly-professionalised party.

John Prescott had humble origins but famously owned two Jags. He believed that it was okay for working class people to enjoy the good things in life, and to strive for them. ‘We are in it to give everyone these good things’. He steered us away from puritanical politics, enjoyed a good laugh and valued ordinary people.

He was more intelligent and strategic than people remember. He was notably encouraging, selfless, hard-working and fully engaged. He was always wide-awake. He was great. I hope that we do not iron his reputation too much.

Sue Hackman