John Prescott’s son joins Greens

John Prescott’s Son Joins Green Party

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

Legacy of a Labour Leader

David’s father, John Prescott, served as a key figure in Tony Blair’s Labour government for a decade. His recent passing in 2024 has left a void in the party’s ranks, with David now stepping into the spotlight as a new ally for the Greens.

Political Reactions

“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 2010. “Yet he has always been his own man, independent of his father’s influence.”

Turner expressed disappointment at the defection but noted it was not unexpected. He speculated that John Prescott, were he still alive, would have been “furious” with Labour’s direction, particularly its failure to retain progressive voters.

Polling Shifts and Campaign Involvement

David Prescott, one of John’s two sons with his wife Pauline, had previously contested Labour nominations in several constituencies, including his father’s East Hull seat. Despite his efforts, he was not selected for some races. However, he played a role in the Gorton and Denton by-election, where the Green Party secured its first victory in history.

In a social media post, David shared images of his collaboration with Green activists, accompanied by the caption: “What. A. Day. Hope Beat Hate.” The event has since drawn attention to the Greens’ growing appeal among Labour’s traditional supporters.

Labour’s Internal Struggles

Following the by-election loss, concerns have mounted within Labour about losing progressive voters to both Reform and the Greens. The party’s stance on the Gaza conflict has been a point of contention, prompting some members to advocate for a broader alliance with left-leaning parties.

Labour MPs have criticized the government’s leadership, with one stating, “Stopping Reform now has to be the priority. But Labour can’t do that from a position of arrogance or denial. We will need to work with other progressive parties. That means cooperation. It means democratic reform. It means accepting we do not own the centre-left vote.”

Publicity and Polling Trends

A recent YouGov poll for Sky News revealed the Greens leaping ahead of Labour, reaching 21% in the race. This surge is attributed largely to the publicity from the Gorton and Denton by-election. A Green Party representative noted that David’s support was “a testament to the campaign’s impact,” despite his private respect for Labour colleagues.

Leadership Challenges

Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the “very disappointing” performance in Gorton and Denton but emphasized that by-election losses are not uncommon for ruling governments. He vowed to “keep fighting” as the party seeks to regain its footing.

Historical Context

David was previously suspended from his role as an aide to Jeremy Corbyn in 2017 after harassment allegations, though he denied the claims. The incident highlighted his independent streak, even as he remained connected to Labour’s ideological roots.

Read more from Sky News: My run-in with John Prescott | Can Starmer find a way back?

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