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John Prescott’s son joins Greens

Daniel Thomas March 8, 2026

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John Prescott’s son joins Greens

Sky News has uncovered that David Prescott, the offspring of former Labour deputy prime minister John Prescott, has switched allegiance to the Green Party. The move follows the passing of his father, which occurred a year prior.

In October 2025, David became a member of the Greens, aligning with activists in Gorton and Denton—areas where the party secured its inaugural by-election triumph. His Facebook post featured a caption declaring: “What. A. Day. Hope Beat Hate.”

Labour’s Response to the Defection

Karl Turner, who took over John Prescott’s former seat in Hull East after the 2010 election, expressed dismay over the defection. “This is a major blow, though not entirely unexpected,” he remarked to Sky News.

“David was raised within the Labour Party, and like me, he came from a family deeply rooted in socialist values and trade unionism. He was politically engaged from an early age, always asserting his own views rather than merely following his father’s footsteps.”

Turner also noted, “I believe John Prescott would be incensed if he were alive today. His frustration, however, would be directed at Labour for failing to retain progressive voters who have shifted toward what they perceive as a more radical alternative.”

Political Shifts and Polling Data

The Greens’ recent success in Gorton and Denton has intensified concerns within Labour about losing support to both Reform on the right and progressive factions. The party’s first by-election victory in history has sparked discussions about voter fragmentation.

Following the result, a YouGov poll for Sky News placed the Greens in second place, rising four points to 21%. The pollster attributed this surge to the publicity generated by the Gorton and Denton campaign.

David Prescott’s Political Journey

David, one of John Prescott’s two sons with his wife Pauline, had previously sought Labour candidacy in multiple constituencies, including East Hull and Greenwich and Woolwich. However, he was not selected for these roles. His only successful bid came in Gainsborough during the 2015 general election, where he lost to Conservative Edward Leigh.

In 2017, David was temporarily suspended from his role as an aide to Jeremy Corbyn due to harassment allegations. He contested the claims and the Labour Party did not remove his membership, as no formal complaint was filed.

Green Party’s Perspective

A spokesperson for the Greens stated: “David has remained discreet about his decision to leave Labour, respecting colleagues still in the party. Yet, he was one of 2,000 volunteers who helped secure Hannah’s victory in Gorton and Denton.”

MPs Call for Change

Labour MPs have voiced criticism over the by-election loss, which coincided with rising tensions in the Middle East. “This outcome reflects flawed political choices by the PM,” said John Trickett, MP for Normanton and Hemsworth, on X. “Labour needs fresh leadership to address the crisis.”

Another Labour representative called the result a “stinging setback” for the party and Keir Starmer’s leadership. “This government has alienated its core supporters and sidelined its activists,” they argued. “A fundamental shift in Labour’s approach is necessary to reclaim the progressive vote.”

The prime minister acknowledged the Gorton and Denton defeat as “deeply disappointing” but emphasized that by-election losses are not unprecedented. “We will continue to fight,” he added, defending the party’s position amid growing scrutiny.