John Prescott’s son joins Greens
David Prescott Joins Green Party
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 transition marks a significant shift for the 56-year-old, who previously served as a Labour candidate in several constituencies.
By-election Victory and Political Context
In October 2025, David Prescott aligned himself with the Greens, a year following the passing of his father. His involvement was highlighted in a social media post where he stood with activists in Gorton and Denton, the areas that secured the party’s first by-election triumph in its history. The caption read: “What a day: Hope beats hate.”
“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 succeeded John Prescott as the Labour MP for Hull East in the 2010 general election. “Again like myself, David was politically active from a very young age. David was always his own man—not his old man.”
The Greens’ success in Gorton and Denton has sparked concerns within Labour about losing progressive voters to both Reform and the Green Party. The by-election outcome, which saw Labour finish third, has intensified debates over the party’s strategy and internal cohesion.
Poll Results and Campaign Momentum
A recent YouGov poll for Sky News revealed the Green Party surged to 21%, a four-point increase, attributed in part to the publicity surrounding the Gorton and Denton campaign. The result underscored growing support for the party, even as Labour grapples with its diminishing influence.
David Prescott, one of John’s two sons with his wife Pauline, had previously contested Labour nominations in East Hull, Greenwich and Woolwich, and Hull West and Hessle. Despite his efforts, he was not selected in those races. However, he successfully ran as the Labour candidate for Gainsborough in 2015, though he lost to Conservative Edward Leigh.
“David has not publicly spoken about joining the Greens out of respect to friends who are still Labour members, councillors, and MPs,” noted a Green Party representative. “But he was one of 2,000 individuals who supported Hannah’s campaign in Gorton and Denton, and we appreciate his contribution.”
The by-election loss, compounded by the escalating Middle East conflict triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has led some Labour MPs to question leadership. John Trickett, representing Normanton and Hemsworth, tweeted: “Labour lost votes in every direction. The same issue repeats nationwide. This is the result of poor political decisions by the PM. A leadership change is needed.”
Another Labour MP described the outcome as a “stinging blow” to the party and Keir Starmer’s leadership, advocating for collaboration with other progressive groups. “This government has alienated its core supporters, sidelined its activists, and ignored the very people we pledged to represent,” they argued. “Labour must embrace reform and admit it no longer holds the center-left vote.”
The prime minister acknowledged the “very disappointing” performance in Gorton and Denton but emphasized that by-election losses are typical for governing parties. “We will keep fighting,” he stated, vowing to maintain the Labour campaign’s momentum.
