John Prescott’s son joins Greens
David Prescott, Son of Labour Deputy PM, Switches to 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 his father’s passing in October 2024, with David officially joining the party in October 2025.
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In a Facebook post, Mr. Prescott is pictured with Green activists in Gorton and Denton, where the party secured its first by-election win in history. The caption accompanying the image reads:
“What. A. Day. Hope Beat Hate.”
Karl Turner, who took over John Prescott’s seat in the 2010 general election, called the defection “deeply disappointing” yet “inevitable.” He noted,
“David was raised in a Labour stronghold, with a family rooted in socialist ideals and trade unions.”
Turner added that David was always his own person, not just a reflection of his father’s legacy. He suggested that if John Prescott were alive, he’d be livid, directing his frustration at Labour for allowing progressive voters to move to a more left-leaning alternative.
The outcome follows Labour’s significant by-election loss in Gorton and Denton, where they placed third behind Reform and the Greens. This result has amplified concerns within Labour that the party risks losing support to Reform on the right and the Greens, which are drawing away progressive voters frustrated by Labour’s stance on the Gaza conflict.
According to a recent YouGov poll for Sky News, the Green Party surged to 21%, a four-point increase, largely due to the attention generated by the Gorton and Denton by-election.
Previously, David contested several Labour seats, including East Hull, Greenwich and Woolwich, and Hull West and Hessle, but fell short of selection. He successfully ran for Gainsborough in 2015 but was defeated by Conservative MP Edward Leigh.
In 2017, David was temporarily suspended from his role as Jeremy Corbyn’s aide after allegations of harassment, though he denied the accusations and the party did not remove his membership due to lack of formal complaints.
A Green Party representative stated,
“David hasn’t publicly commented on his move to show respect for fellow Labour members, councillors, and MPs. However, he was among 2,000 volunteers who helped Hannah win in Gorton and Denton, and we’re grateful for his support.”
Following the by-election loss, which coincided with the rising Middle East tensions sparked by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, some Labour MPs urged the prime minister to reconsider his leadership. John Trickett, representing Normanton and Hemsworth, tweeted,
“Labour lost votes in all directions, reflecting a national trend. This is the consequence of the PM’s decisions. The party needs fresh leadership.”
Another MP told Sky News,
“This outcome was a blow to Labour and Starmer’s administration. The government has alienated its base, sidelined activists, and disregarded the voters they aimed to serve. It’s no wonder people are leaving.”
The prime minister acknowledged the Gorton and Denton result as “very disappointing” but emphasized that losing by-elections is typical for current governments and vowed to “keep fighting.”
