John Prescott’s son joins Greens
David Prescott Joins Green Party Amid Labour’s Struggles
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. His father, who had served alongside Tony Blair for a decade, passed away just one year before David’s transition.
Political Shift in Gorton and Denton
A Facebook post showcasing Mr Prescott with Green campaigners in Gorton and Denton highlighted the area’s historic first by-election win for the Greens. The accompanying caption read: “What. A. Day. Hope Beat Hate.”
“David was born into the Labour Party and like myself, he came from a family deeply rooted in socialism and trade unionism,” said Karl Turner, who took over John Prescott’s Hull East constituency in 2010. “He was politically active from a young age, but he always made his own decisions, not simply followed his father’s path.”
Turner added, “I suspect John Prescott would be ‘furious’ if he were alive today. His anger would likely target the Labour Party for failing to retain progressive voters, who have increasingly moved toward the Greens—a more left-leaning alternative to the party he dedicated his life to advancing.”
By-Election Fallout and Polling Trends
This follows Labour’s significant loss in the Gorton and Denton by-election, where Reform and the Greens outperformed the party for the first time. A recent YouGov poll commissioned by Sky News revealed the Green Party surged past Labour into second place, with support rising by four percentage points to 21%. The pollster attributed this growth largely to the exposure from the Gorton and Denton contest.
David Prescott, one of John’s two sons with Pauline, had previously contested Labour’s candidacy in several constituencies, including East Hull, Greenwich and Woolwich, and Hull West and Hessle. However, he was not selected as a candidate in those efforts.
Personal and Professional Challenges
In 2017, David Prescott faced suspension from his role as a Jeremy Corbyn aide due to harassment allegations. He contested the claims, and the party retained his membership since no formal complaint was submitted.
“David has not publicly spoken about joining the Greens out of respect to Labour members, councillors, and MPs,” explained a Green Party representative. “But he was among 2,000 volunteers who supported Hannah’s campaign in Gorton and Denton, and we appreciate his contribution.”
Leadership Calls and Party Reforms
The by-election loss has sparked calls for leadership changes within Labour, particularly as the Middle East conflict, fueled by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, overshadowed the result. John Trickett, representing Normanton and Hemsworth, tweeted, “Labour lost votes in every direction, with the same trend repeating nationwide. This outcome reflects poor political decisions by the PM. The party needs new leadership.”
Another Labour MP described the result as a “punch in the face” for the party and Keir Starmer’s premiership, urging collaboration with other left-leaning groups. “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 progressive parties. That means cooperation, democratic reform, and accepting we don’t own the centre-left vote,” they stated.
The prime minister acknowledged the “very disappointing” performance in Gorton and Denton, stating that such losses are typical for ruling governments and expressing a commitment to continue the fight.
