In pictures: John Prescott

John Prescott has been deputy leader of the Labour Party since 1994, when Tony Blair became leader. Perhaps their finest moment was the 1997 general election victory.

In summer 1997, Mr Prescott, named deputy prime minister to Mr Blair, showed his dislike of Cabinet minister Peter Mandelson by addressing a crab in a jar by the name "Peter".

Mr Prescott was given his own so-called "super-department" by Mr Blair, dealing with transport, the regions and the environment.

Mockingly known as "Two Jags" in the tabloids, Mr Prescott was driven the few hundred yards from his hotel to Labour's conference in Bournemouth in 1999 for security reasons.

During the 2001 general election campaign, Mr Prescott punched a farm worker who had thrown an egg at him. Afterwards, Tony Blair famously said: "John is John."

Peacemaker: Mr Prescott has often been seen as a broker in disputes between Mr Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown.

Mr Prescott apologised to the Labour Party after his affair with secretary Tracey Temple (back right) was exposed.

Hammer blow: Mr Prescott was photographed playing croquet at his country home Dorneywood while running the country last year in Mr Blair's absence.

Mr Prescott eventually lost his departmental responsibilities but remained deputy prime minister. After saying he would leave office with Mr Blair, he declared himself "demob happy".

After 10 years in government, Mr Blair and Mr Prescott are to return to the Labour backbenches.

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