John Prescott’s son joins Greens

John Prescott’s Son Joins Green Party

Sky News reports that David Prescott, the son of former Labour deputy prime minister John Prescott, has become a member of the Green Party. The move follows a year of mourning after his father’s passing in October 2024.

By-Election Shift Sparks Debate

David Prescott, who grew up in a family deeply rooted in Labour politics, joined the Greens in October 2025. His father had served with Tony Blair for a decade, and David previously ran as a Labour candidate in several constituencies, including East Hull and Greenwich and Woolwich.

“David was born into the Labour Party and like myself he was from a rock-solid socialist and trade union family,” said Karl Turner, who represented Hull East for Labour until 2010. “Again like myself, David was politically active from a very young age. David was always his own man not his old man.”

Turner added that he believed John Prescott would have been “furious” if he were alive today. The former MP noted that the defection was “hugely disappointing” but “no surprise,” highlighting the growing tension within Labour’s progressive base.

Green Surge in Polls

Following the Gorton and Denton by-election, which marked the Greens’ first historical victory, a YouGov poll for Sky News showed the party overtaking Labour in second place. The survey revealed a four-point rise to 21%, with the campaign in the constituency cited as a major driver.

The result has intensified concerns about Labour’s ability to retain its progressive supporters. Issues such as the party’s position on the Gaza war have prompted voters to shift allegiance, with some suggesting a need for broader alliances among left-leaning parties.

David’s Political Journey

David Prescott had previously been selected as a Labour candidate for Gainsborough in 2015, though he lost to the Conservative Edward Leigh. In 2017, he was temporarily suspended from his role as an aide to Jeremy Corbyn due to harassment allegations. He denied the claims, and the party did not remove his membership without a formal complaint.

Reaction from Within Labour

Labour MPs have expressed dismay over the by-election outcome, which came amid broader political turmoil. John Trickett, representing Normanton and Hemsworth, described the loss as a “country-wide problem,” blaming the prime minister’s leadership choices.

“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,” Trickett wrote on X. “Labour needs new leadership.”

Another Labour MP called the result a “punch in the face” for the party and Keir Starmer’s leadership, arguing that the government had “burned its base” and “alienated its core vote.” They emphasized the need for fundamental changes, including democratic reform and collaboration with other progressive parties.

The prime minister acknowledged the Gorton and Denton performance as “very disappointing” but maintained that losing by-elections was a common occurrence for incumbent governments, vowing to “keep fighting” for the party’s future.