John Prescott’s son joins Greens

John Prescott’s Son Joins Green Party

Sky News has learned that David Prescott, the offspring of former Labour deputy prime minister John Prescott, has become a member of the Green Party. This development marks a notable shift in the political landscape, with David’s decision announced just a year following his father’s passing.

Defection Sparks Disappointment

Karl Turner, who took over John Prescott’s former seat in Hull East after the 2010 general election, expressed dismay over the move. “This defection is deeply disheartening, though not unexpected,” he remarked. Turner highlighted David’s upbringing within the Labour Party, noting his family’s strong socialist roots and his early political involvement.

“David was born into the Labour Party and like myself, he came from a family that has long supported socialist ideals. Yet, David has always been his own man, independent of his father’s legacy.”

Turner speculated that John Prescott would be “furious if he were alive today,” attributing the sentiment to the Labour Party’s perceived failure to retain progressive voters. “The party has allowed its base to move toward alternatives that align more closely with left-wing principles,” he added.

Political Reckoning and Calls for Change

The Green Party’s recent triumph in Gorton and Denton, its first by-election victory, has intensified concerns within Labour. The result underscored fears that the party is losing support not only to Reform on the right but also to its own progressive base, which has grown disillusioned with issues like the Gaza conflict.

Following the by-election, a poll by YouGov for Sky News revealed the Greens surged to second place, gaining four points to reach 21%. This growth, the pollster noted, was largely fueled by the publicity surrounding the Gorton and Denton campaign.

In the wake of the loss, some Labour MPs have urged leadership changes. John Trickett, representing Normanton and Hemsworth, tweeted: “Labour’s performance in Gorton and Denton reflects a broader trend of losing votes in all directions. The prime minister’s decisions have led to this.”

Another Labour MP criticized the outcome as “a sharp blow to the party and Keir Starmer’s leadership,” advocating for collaboration with other progressive groups. “The government has alienated its core supporters and sidelined activists,” they stated. “We cannot afford to ignore the fact that voters are seeking more meaningful change.”

Background on David Prescott

David Prescott, one of John Prescott’s two sons with his wife Pauline, had previously campaigned for Labour in several constituencies, including his father’s East Hull seat. Despite his efforts, he was not selected for these roles. However, he secured a Labour candidacy in Gainsborough during the 2015 general election, though he lost to the Conservative Edward Leigh.

In 2017, David was temporarily removed from his position as an aide to Jeremy Corbyn due to harassment allegations. He denied the claims, and the party did not formally suspend his membership since no official complaint was filed.

A Green Party representative noted that David had “not openly discussed his decision to leave Labour, respecting his peers who remain in the party.” They acknowledged his support during the Gorton and Denton campaign, which drew over 2,000 volunteers.

Read more from Sky News: My run-in with John Prescott | Can Starmer find a way back?