John Prescott’s son joins Greens

David Prescott Switches to Green Party Following By-Election Defeat

Sky News has learned that David Prescott, the son of former Labour deputy prime minister John Prescott, has joined the Green Party. The move marks a significant shift in the political landscape, as the family of the late Labour leader continues to align with the eco-focused party.

Background on David Prescott

David Prescott, who shared his father’s political legacy, became a Labour candidate in multiple constituencies, including East Hull, Greenwich and Woolwich, and Hull West and Hessle. Though he narrowly missed selection for his father’s former seat in 2015, he secured a place as the Labour candidate for Gainsborough, where he faced defeat against Conservative Edward Leigh.

The transition to the Greens occurred in October 2025, one year after John Prescott’s passing. In a recent post, David appeared with activists in Gorton and Denton, the town that delivered the Greens’ first by-election victory in their history. The caption read: “What. A. Day. Hope Beat Hate.”

Political Reactions to the Defection

“David was born into the Labour Party and like myself, he hailed from a family deeply rooted in socialist ideals and trade unionism,” said Karl Turner, who took over John Prescott’s East Hull seat in 2010. “Yet he has always been his own man, not bound by his father’s legacy. I think John would be furious if he were alive today, but his anger would be directed at Labour for failing to retain progressive voters.”

The Greens’ surge came after Labour suffered one of its most damaging by-election losses in Gorton and Denton. The result has fueled concerns about the party’s ability to hold onto its base, with fears that both Reform on the right and the Greens on the left are eroding support. This shift reflects growing discontent among voters over Labour’s stance on issues like the war in Gaza.

By-Election Impact and Poll Trends

Labour’s performance in the by-election was overshadowed by the broader Middle East conflict, which intensified after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. However, the Green Party’s rise is now evident, with a YouGov poll for Sky News showing them leapfrogging Labour into second place. The party’s support climbed four points to 21%, driven largely by the campaign in Gorton and Denton.

David Prescott’s decision to leave Labour follows his suspension from Jeremy Corbyn’s campaign team in 2017 due to harassment allegations. He denied the claims and remained active within the party until his recent switch. A Green Party spokesperson noted: “David hasn’t publicly commented on his move to honor his Labour colleagues, but his presence in Gorton and Denton was vital to Hannah’s victory. We’re grateful for his contribution.”

Calls for Leadership Change

Following the by-election loss, some Labour MPs have urged a reevaluation of leadership. John Trickett, representing Normanton and Hemsworth, tweeted: “Labour lost votes in every direction. The PM’s choices have created a national trend. We need new leadership to restore trust.”

Another Labour MP told Sky News the result was a “stinging blow” to the party and Keir Starmer’s leadership. They argued that the government has alienated its core supporters and activists, calling for collaboration with other progressive parties to reclaim the center-left vote.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the setback, calling the Gorton and Denton outcome “very disappointing.” He emphasized that by-elections are a normal part of political life and pledged to continue campaigning. “We will not stop fighting,” he stated, as the party seeks to recover from the loss.

Broader Implications for Labour

The defection of David Prescott highlights ongoing tensions within Labour, with progressive voters increasingly drawn to alternatives. The party now faces pressure to address internal divisions and adapt to shifting public sentiment. As the Greens consolidate their support, the debate over Labour’s future strategy continues to intensify.