John Prescott’s son joins Greens
John Prescott’s son joins Greens
Sky News has learned that David Prescott, the son of former Labour deputy prime minister John Prescott, has become a member of the Green Party. The move marks a significant shift for the individual, who previously represented Labour in various constituencies.
A Year After His Father’s Passing
David Prescott, whose father served alongside Sir Tony Blair for a decade, affiliated with the Greens in October 2025—a year following his father’s death. His father’s legacy as a Labour stalwart now appears to be a point of divergence for his son.
Supporting the Greens’ First By-election Triumph
A Facebook post featuring Mr. Prescott with Green campaigners in Gorton and Denton highlighted the party’s landmark by-election win last week. The caption, “What. A. Day. Hope Beat Hate,” underscored the significance of the moment.
“Karl Turner, who succeeded John Prescott as the Labour MP for Hull East in 2010, called the move ‘hugely disappointing’ yet ‘no surprise’ for Labour.”
Turner noted that David was raised in a politically active socialist household, sharing similar roots with himself. “David was always his own man—not his old man,” he remarked, adding, “I believe John Prescott would be incensed if he were still alive.”
A Green Party representative noted, “David hasn’t publicly discussed his switch to show respect for fellow Labour members, councillors, and MPs. However, he was among the 2,000 volunteers who supported Hannah’s campaign in Gorton and Denton.”
Labour’s Struggles in the By-election
The Gorton and Denton by-election outcome has confirmed fears within Labour that the Green Party is not only challenging Reform on the right but also threatening the party’s splintering progressive base, which has gradually shifted due to issues like Labour’s position on the Gaza war.
A recent YouGov poll for Sky News showed the Green Party moving ahead of Labour, securing second place with a four-point rise to 21%, attributed largely to the Gorton and Denton by-election’s visibility. This surge has drawn attention to the party’s growing appeal among voters disillusioned with Labour’s direction.
David Prescott’s Political Journey
David Prescott, one of John’s two sons with his wife Pauline, previously ran as a Labour candidate in multiple seats, including his father’s East Hull constituency, as well as Greenwich and Woolwich and Hull West and Hessle. However, he failed to secure selection. He later won the Labour candidacy for Gainsborough in 2015, losing to Conservative MP Edward Leigh.
In 2017, Mr. Prescott faced suspension from his role as a Corbyn aide due to harassment allegations, though he contested the claims and the party withheld membership removal since no formal complaint was filed.
Labour’s Response to the Defection
Labour MPs have reacted strongly to the by-election loss, with some blaming Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership. John Trickett, representing Normanton and Hemsworth, tweeted, “Labour lost votes in every direction and the same problem is replicated across the country. The result of bad political choices made by the PM. Labour needs new leadership.”
“This government has burned its base, alienated its core vote, sidelined its activists and stuck two fingers up to the very people we came into politics to represent. And we’re surprised voters are walking away?”
Another Labour MP argued, “Stopping Reform now has to be the priority. But Labour can’t do that from a position of arrogance or denial. We will need to work with other progressive parties. That means cooperation. It means democratic reform. It means accepting we do not own the centre-left vote. None of that happens unless Labour changes fundamentally. Not tweaks. Not reshuffles. A clean break.”
Starmer Vows to Continue Fight
Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the Gorton and Denton outcome as “very disappointing” but emphasized that by-election losses are typical for ruling governments, vowing to “keep fighting” despite the setback. The defeat, however, has been overshadowed by the escalating Middle East conflict, with US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran fueling broader political tensions.
Read more from Sky News: My run-in with John Prescott Can Starmer find a way back?
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