John Prescott’s son joins Greens
John Prescott’s Son Joins Green Party
Sky News reports that John Prescott’s son, David, has transitioned to the Green Party, marking a significant shift in the political landscape. David, who grew up in a family closely associated with Tony Blair, officially joined the Greens in October 2025, following his father’s passing.
In a recent Facebook post, David was pictured with Green activists in Gorton and Denton, where the party secured its first by-election victory in history. The accompanying caption declared: “What. A. Day. Hope Beat Hate.”
Labour’s Struggles and Defections
“A major letdown but not unexpected,” Karl Turner, who assumed John Prescott’s Hull East seat in 2010, told Sky News. “David was born into the Labour Party and, like me, he came from a family deeply rooted in socialist values and trade unionism. Still, David has always been his own person, independent of his father’s influence.”
“I believe John Prescott would be furious if he were still alive,” Turner added. “Yet his frustration would be directed at Labour for enabling progressive voters to move toward a more left-leaning alternative that challenges the party’s long-standing role in shaping policies for the many, not just the few.”
The defection follows Labour’s recent by-election loss in Gorton and Denton, which saw the Greens surpass Labour for the first time in a notable poll by YouGov. The party’s support climbed four points to 21%, attributed largely to the campaign’s visibility.
Political Fallout and Calls for Change
Labour MPs have voiced concerns about the party’s erosion of support, particularly among progressive voters. One MP criticized the government’s approach, stating the outcome was “a punch in the face for Labour and Keir Starmer’s leadership.” They argued that the party has alienated its core base and must collaborate with other left-wing groups to reclaim trust.
John Trickett, representing Normanton and Hemsworth, tweeted: “Labour is losing votes in every direction, and this trend is national. The PM’s decisions have led to this result. A leadership overhaul is essential.”
David’s Political Journey
David, one of John’s two sons with his wife Pauline, previously contested Labour candidacy in multiple constituencies, including his father’s East Hull seat and Greenwich and Woolwich. However, he failed to secure a nomination in those races. In 2015, he managed to become the Labour candidate for Gainsborough but lost to the Conservative Edward Leigh.
David was suspended from his role as a Corbyn aide in 2017 due to harassment allegations. While he denied the claims, the party did not remove his membership until a formal complaint was filed.
A Green Party representative noted: “David hasn’t publicly discussed his switch to honor Labour allies still active in the party. But he was among 2,000 supporters who helped secure Hannah’s victory in Gorton and Denton, and we’re grateful for his backing.”
Path Forward for Labour
Amid the by-election fallout, some MPs have urged a reassessment of the party’s strategy, citing the escalating Middle East conflict as a backdrop. They insist Labour must embrace democratic reforms and abandon its current leadership to rewin the progressive vote.
The prime minister acknowledged the “very disappointing” performance in Gorton and Denton but emphasized that by-election losses are common for ruling parties, vowing to “keep fighting” in the face of challenges.