How John Prescott video-called Peter Mandelson to reconcile in recent weeks

Sir Tony, “devastated” by the news, also recalled video calls from Lord Prescott in his final months. Mr. Brown smiled at the tinged honesty Lord Prescott always offered in private.

But the story also spoke of that pacifier role that Lord Prescott had played behind the scenes to keep the New Labor show on track – and perhaps served as a reminder of the healing power of time, even in politics.

The two men’s strong dynamic had been established in the early 1980s when Peter was brought in to work under the plain-spoken John in transport policy.

Lord Prescott – though of course the titles came later – was a Labor MP and shadow minister; Lord Mandelson, a young parliamentary researcher.

“You will do this quite well,” Lord Mandelson recalls his senior telling him at the time. “You’re very smart, you’re good with the media. Just make sure you keep your nose out of politics.”