The death of veteran Labour politician John Prescott has led to tributes pouring in from across the political spectrum, celebrating the unique and impactful career of the former deputy prime minister.
While his contributions to politics are being widely recognized, one moment stands out in the public memory—the infamous egg-throwing incident during the 2001 general election campaign in Wales.
Remembering the time John Prescott turned into Rocky Balboa and punched that fella in my hometown of Rhyl for throwing an egg at him. Iconic moment pic.twitter.com/01F03YefYz
— ian ❄️ (@IanPam7) November 21, 2024
The episode unfolded when Craig Evans, a 23-year-old protester from Cardiff, expressed his anger over the Labour government’s fuel tax hikes by throwing an egg that struck Prescott in the face as he greeted a crowd.
Egg attacks are a hazard some politicians have faced over the years, but Prescott’s response was anything but typical. Stunned momentarily, the former shipyard worker and no-nonsense politician swiftly retaliated by punching Evans in the jaw, knocking him down. The two briefly scuffled before being separated, with the entire incident captured on camera and broadcast nationwide.
Prescott’s decisive reaction drew a mix of admiration and criticism. Public opinion was divided, though surveys at the time suggested many supported his actions. Political opponents, however, were quick to condemn the altercation. Conservative Party leader William Hague remarked, “No doubt he was a bit rattled because it was a day when Tony Blair and [home secretary] Jack Straw had actually spoken to some people around the country and found out the reality of what was going on in this country and that people are not satisfied with the performance of the government.”
Defending his deputy, then Prime Minister Tony Blair acknowledged the controversy but praised Prescott’s loyalty and dedication. “Of course, it would have been better if the whole thing hadn’t happened, but I want to say something to you about John Prescott. You could not wish for a deputy more loyal, more true and more decent,” Blair said. “He cares about his country and he cares passionately about his politics but John is John and I’m lucky to have him as my deputy… He regrets the whole incident ever happened. He felt a blow on the side of his head and reacted instinctively.”
The media response mirrored the divided public opinion. The Sun hailed Prescott as a “tough guy” who “defended democracy,” even dubbing him “Two Jabs” in reference to his nickname “Two Jags,” which stemmed from his penchant for official cars. Conversely, The Times criticized his lack of restraint, calling the punch “an unfortunate reaction” and warning that such behavior “undermines the professionalism expected of public servants.”
When pressed by journalists about his reaction, Prescott stood firm, stating, “I was attacked by an individual. In the melee that followed I clearly defended myself.”
Both Prescott and Evans were interviewed by police, but neither faced prosecution. The Crown Prosecution Service concluded there was no realistic chance of convicting Prescott as his actions were deemed self-defense, while Evans was released after several hours in custody without further action.
Despite the controversy, the incident did not harm Labour’s standing in the polls. Just a month later, in June 2001, the party secured a second term in government.
‘A Prat’
Reflecting on the egg-throwing incident in 2019, John Prescott acknowledged its lasting impact on his public image. He remarked, “When you get to being 80, you’re not scared of anything. I’ve got four or five years to think about death. When I do die, after 50 years in politics, all they will show on the news is 60 seconds of me thumping a fellow in Wales.”
Following Prescott’s passing, Alastair Campbell, Labour’s former head of communications, shared his memories of the day. He recounted: “About half-an-hour after (the punch), I was with Tony Blair in Watford … and my phone went. We knew something had happened but we didn’t know what. My phone went and it was John Prescott and he said, ‘are you alright?’ I said, ‘yeah I’m fine. What’s going on?’ He said, ‘I’ve just thumped a bloke.’
“And I said, ‘what sort of bloke?’ He said, ‘just a bloke’. ‘Why’d you thump him?’ ‘He was a prat. He threw an egg at me’. I said, ‘John, honestly’.
“He said, ‘I know. I know. I’m my own worst enemy but I’m just telling you’ and then about a minute later he said, ‘by the way I’m not resigning. Tell him I’m not resigning.’”
Campbell also described the reaction within Labour’s leadership: “I remember we got into the car after Tony’s interview and I told Tony what happened. I described it to him. And he went, ‘oh god are we going to have to sack him?’ At which point the driver, Terry, and the special branch bloke in the front of the car both turned around at the same time and just went, ‘you what?’
“And what that said to us was that so far as the public was concerned, they completely understood why John Prescott thumped that bloke.”
