John Prescott’s son joins Greens
John Prescott’s son joins Greens
Sky News has uncovered that David Prescott, the son of former Labour deputy prime minister John Prescott, has become a member of the Green Party. The revelation comes as the party continues to gain momentum in key local elections.
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David Prescott, whose father worked with Sir Tony Blair for a decade, joined the Green Party in October 2025—exactly a year following his father’s passing. His decision follows a significant shift in the political landscape, particularly in the Gorton and Denton by-election, which marked the Greens’ first historical victory in such a contest.
“What. A. Day. Hope Beat Hate.”
David, one of John’s two sons with his wife Pauline, had previously campaigned for Labour in multiple constituencies, including his father’s East Hull seat and Greenwich and Woolwich. However, he was not selected as a candidate in those races. In 2015, he successfully secured the Labour nomination for Gainsborough but fell short against Conservative Edward Leigh.
A Green Party representative noted that David has not publicly addressed his move to the Greens, respecting his continued ties to Labour. Nonetheless, he played a key role in supporting Hannah’s campaign, contributing to the party’s breakthrough.
Labour’s Reaction
Karl Turner, who took over John Prescott’s Hull East seat in 2010, called David’s defection “hugely disappointing” but “no surprise.” He highlighted David’s upbringing in a politically engaged socialist household, emphasizing that the younger Prescott had always maintained his own convictions.
“I suspect John Prescott would be furious if he was around today. But his anger would be aimed at the Labour Party for allowing progressive voters to leave for what they see as a more left-leaning alternative. It’s a move that reflects the party’s struggle to retain its base.”
Labour’s recent by-election loss in Gorton and Denton has intensified internal concerns about losing progressive voters to the Greens. The Greens’ rise, fueled by the by-election’s impact, has also raised alarms about their growing influence, especially as Reform continues to challenge Labour on the right.
Following the defeat, some Labour MPs have urged a reassessment of the leadership. John Trickett, representing Normanton and Hemsworth, tweeted: “Labour lost votes in every direction. This reflects poor choices by the PM. A change in leadership is essential.”
“This government has alienated its core supporters, sidelined activists, and ignored the people they were elected to serve. Voters are leaving because the party no longer represents them.”
Another Labour MP argued that the party must form alliances with progressive groups to counter the Greens and Reform. “Labour needs to embrace cooperation, democratic reforms, and acknowledge it no longer holds the centre-left vote alone. Without fundamental change, the trend will continue.”
The prime minister acknowledged the Gorton and Denton loss as “very disappointing,” though he stressed that by-elections are a common challenge for governing parties. He pledged to “keep fighting” despite the setback.
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