John Prescott

“I was just doing what any normal human being would have done.”

“The green belt is a Labour achievement, and we mean to build on it.”

“Tony and I were the Posh and Becks of politics.”

“In my first week as a minister, I had to go to a European meeting. I couldn't understand a word. But I soon got used to it.”

“We have the traditional industries of our country, manufacturing and coal... which is, of course, manufacturing.”

“I have always been my own man.”

“It's a long game, politics.”

“I'm a fighter, not a quitter.”

“I will not be bullied by the Tory press.”

“We are listening, and we are learning.”

“I'm a traditionalist. I'm a traditional Labour man. I'm not a Blairite. I'm a Brownite. I'm a Prescottite.”

“I'm not a great orator. I'm a gut politician.”