Prescott

John Prescott has played a major part in the Labour government since 1997, an invaluable member of Tony Blair's team. He has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between Old and New Labour, which has widened greatly as the Blair government has continued. His hard talking and hard hitting reputation has helped in many tense internal situations, as well as ensuring that he is always high in the headlines. Colin Brown, with unprecedented co-operation from family and friends, has been able to marry many of the contradictions between Prescott the politician and Prescott the private man. It traces him from his middle-class childhood in Wales to his unique role in politics, always recognised and with a special place in the national consciousness. Colin Brown is Deputy Political Editor of the Independent.