John Prescott’s son joins Greens
John Prescott’s son joins Greens
Sky News has uncovered that David Prescott, the offspring of former Labour deputy prime minister John Prescott, has become a member of the Green Party. This shift occurred in October 2025, exactly a year following the passing of his father.
A Political Reckoning
In a recent Facebook post, Mr. Prescott was seen alongside Green activists in Gorton and Denton, the areas where the party secured its inaugural by-election triumph in history. The accompanying message read:
“What. A. Day. Hope Beat Hate.”
Defection Sparks Criticism
Karl Turner, the Labour MP who took John Prescott’s seat in Hull East during the 2010 general election, expressed disappointment over the defection. “David was raised in a Labour environment, much like myself, coming from a family deeply rooted in socialist ideals and trade unions,” he noted. “Despite his upbringing, David has always been an independent thinker, not merely echoing his father’s legacy.”
Turner added:
“I believe John Prescott would be livid if he were alive today. His frustration would be directed at the Labour Party for enabling progressive voters to migrate to a more radical alternative. The Greens now challenge Labour’s long-standing grip on the political center.”
By-Election Fallout
The Greens’ success in Gorton and Denton marked a pivotal moment, as Labour faced one of its most significant by-election losses. The result highlighted internal struggles, with progressive voters abandoning Labour due to disagreements over policies like the war in Gaza.
A recent YouGov poll for Sky News revealed the Greens surpassing Labour in second place, climbing to 21%—a four-point increase. The pollster attributed this surge to the publicity generated by the Gorton and Denton contest.
David Prescott’s Political Journey
Previously, David Prescott had contested Labour positions in multiple constituencies, including his father’s East Hull seat and others like Greenwich and Woolwich. However, he failed to secure selection in these races. In 2015, he managed to be chosen for Gainsborough, though he lost to the Conservative candidate Edward Leigh.
In 2017, Mr. Prescott was temporarily removed from his role as an aide to Jeremy Corbyn after allegations of harassment. While he denied the claims, the party did not revoke his membership, citing the absence of a formal complaint.
Support and Supporter
A Green Party representative stated that David has not publicly shared his reasons for leaving Labour, out of respect for his remaining allies within the party. Nevertheless, he was among 2,000 volunteers who contributed to Hannah’s victory in the recent by-election.
Labour’s Crisis and Calls for Change
Following the by-election loss, some Labour MPs criticized the government’s strategy. John Trickett of Normanton and Hemsworth remarked on X: “Labour’s votes have been scattered in all directions, a national trend. This reflects poor decisions by the Prime Minister. The party must seek new leadership.”
Another Labour member described the outcome as a “direct blow” to the party and Starmer’s leadership, urging collaboration with other progressive groups. “Labour has alienated its supporters and activists, creating a rift that voters are now capitalizing on,” they said. “Unless the party undergoes a complete transformation, it risks losing its core base.”
Prime Minister’s Response
The Prime Minister acknowledged the Gorton and Denton defeat as “very disappointing” but emphasized that by-election losses are a common occurrence for governing parties. They pledged to “continue the fight” and maintain momentum in future campaigns.