John Prescott’s son joins Greens

David Prescott Joins Green Party Amid Labour’s Struggles

Sky News has learned that David Prescott, the son of Labour’s former deputy prime minister John Prescott, has become a member of the Green Party. The move marks a significant shift for the family, which has long been associated with the Labour movement.

A New Political Chapter

David Prescott, who previously contested several Labour seats including his late father’s constituency, joined the Greens in October 2025—a year following John Prescott’s passing. His father served as a Labour MP alongside Sir Tony Blair for a decade, and David’s decision to align with the Greens has sparked reactions from within the party.

“What. A. Day. Hope Beat Hate.” — Caption accompanying David Prescott’s Facebook post, which featured him alongside Green campaigners in Gorton and Denton.

The Greens’ recent by-election triumph in those areas, their first historic win, has drawn criticism from Labour figures. Karl Turner, who replaced John Prescott as MP for Hull East in 2010, described the defection as “hugely disappointing” yet “no surprise.” He highlighted David’s upbringing in a socialist household and his early political engagement, noting, “David was always his own man—not his old man.”

Labour’s Dilemma

The by-election result has intensified concerns about Labour’s loss of support, particularly among progressive voters. A Green Party source explained that while David has remained discreet about his switch, he contributed to the campaign in Gorton and Denton, where 2,000 activists rallied behind Hannah, the successful candidate.

Following the defeat, Labour faces scrutiny over its ability to retain both right-wing and left-wing voters. The party’s slide to third place in the poll, surpassed by Reform and the Greens, reflects growing disillusionment. Issues like the Gaza conflict have driven some supporters away, prompting calls for a radical rethinking of Labour’s strategy.

Political Reckoning

In a recent YouGov poll, the Greens surged to 21%, overtaking Labour. This momentum is attributed to the publicity from the Gorton and Denton contest, which the pollster highlighted as a turning point. Meanwhile, David Prescott’s career within Labour has seen mixed outcomes—he was unselected in multiple campaigns but secured a win in Gainsborough in 2015 before losing to a Conservative.

David’s suspension from Jeremy Corbyn’s team in 2017, stemming from harassment allegations, was a notable event. He denied the claims, and Labour did not revoke his membership due to the lack of a formal complaint. Despite this, his political evolution has now led him to embrace the Green Party’s platform.

Voices of Dissent

Labour MPs have voiced frustration over the by-election loss, with some suggesting the party must adapt. John Trickett, representing Normanton and Hemsworth, criticized the prime minister’s leadership, stating, “Labour lost votes in every direction… We will need to work with other progressive parties.”

The prime minister acknowledged the “very disappointing” performance but emphasized the inevitability of by-election setbacks, vowing to “keep fighting.” As tensions grow within the party, the question remains: will Labour undergo a fundamental transformation, or will its progressive base continue to splinter?