Does Labour always seek chalk-and-cheese leaders?

The passing of John Prescott has attracted an impressive amount of attention, and affection, about his time in politics and, in particular, the contribution he made to New Labour and the Blair administration in which he played such an important part.

- SEAN O'GRADY

With very different backgrounds and outlooks, Prescott as deputy leader and Tony Blair as the boss made their partnership work, and was rarely equalled before or since...

Was Prescott unique?

Obviously, in his personal style, he was like nothing before or since. As a “type”, however, he fitted the notion of a socially and/or politically “balanced ticket” between a leader and their deputy that Labour has resorted to quite often. The stereotype would be posher, north London-based, “intellectual” in the top job, with a more authentically working-class deputy, usually to their left, sometimes questioning but fundamentally loyal.

Like now?