John Prescott’s son joins Greens

David Prescott Switches Allegiance to Green Party

Sky News has learned that David Prescott, the son of former Labour deputy prime minister John Prescott, has recently become a member of the Green Party. This marks a notable shift in the political landscape, with the younger Prescott joining the party a year after his father’s passing.

The by-election in Gorton and Denton, which concluded last week, saw the Greens secure their first-ever victory in the party’s history. David Prescott, who had previously campaigned as a Labour candidate in several constituencies, including East Hull and Greenwich and Woolwich, was observed at the event alongside Green activists. His Facebook post captioned the moment with: “What. A. Day. Hope Beat Hate.”

“David was born into the Labour Party and like myself, he came from a family deeply rooted in socialist ideals and trade unionism,” said Karl Turner, who replaced John Prescott as the Labour MP for Hull East in 2010. “Yet he has always been his own man, independent of his father’s influence. I imagine John Prescott would be furious if he were still alive.”

Turner further noted that the defection reflects broader concerns within Labour, as progressive voters continue to drift toward more left-leaning alternatives. The Greens, he argued, now challenge Labour’s hold on its base, particularly in light of the party’s stance on the Gaza conflict.

Political Shifts and Party Reactions

The Gorton and Denton result has intensified debates within Labour, with some MPs questioning the government’s strategy. A poll by YouGov for Sky News revealed the Greens surpassed Labour in a significant surge, climbing to 21%—up four points from previous standings. This growth is attributed to the publicity generated by the by-election.

David Prescott had previously run as a Labour candidate in multiple seats, including East Hull, but failed to secure selection. His notable campaign in Gainsborough in 2015 ended with a loss to Conservative Edward Leigh. In 2017, he was temporarily suspended from Jeremy Corbyn’s team over harassment allegations, though the party did not remove his membership due to lack of formal complaints.

“David has chosen to support the Greens quietly, out of respect for those still loyal to Labour,” a party source said. “But his involvement in the Gorton and Denton campaign, where he helped Hannah win, shows his commitment to the cause.”

Labour’s Struggle for Unity

Following the by-election’s outcome, some Labour figures called for internal reflection, citing the PM’s leadership as a key factor in the loss. John Trickett, representing Normanton and Hemsworth, stated on X that the result highlighted a pattern of political missteps across the country.

Another Labour MP criticized the party’s handling of its progressive base, calling the defeat a “punch in the face” for Keir Starmer’s leadership. They urged a “clean break” from Labour’s current direction, emphasizing the need for democratic reform and cooperation with other left-leaning parties.

The prime minister acknowledged the Gorton and Denton loss as “very disappointing,” though he insisted such setbacks are typical for governing parties. He pledged to “keep fighting” and maintain the party’s focus on core issues despite the challenges posed by the Greens and Reform.