Exclusive: David Prescott, Son of Labour Icon, Defects to Green Party
In a stunning political development, David Prescott, the son of former Labour deputy prime minister John Prescott, has officially joined the Green Party. Sky News exclusively revealed this defection, which coincides with the Greens overtaking Labour in the polls for the first time in history. The move underscores a significant realignment within the UK's left-wing political landscape.
Defection Amid By-Election Victory and Poll Surge
David Prescott, whose father served alongside Sir Tony Blair for a decade, became a Green Party member in October 2025, a year after John Prescott's death. His decision was publicly highlighted in a Facebook post where he appeared alongside Green activists in Gorton and Denton. This constituency recently delivered the Green Party's first-ever by-election victory, marking a historic milestone for the party.
The post featured a caption reading, "What. A. Day. Hope Beat Hate." This imagery and message have resonated widely, especially as Labour suffered a devastating third-place finish in the same by-election, trailing behind both Reform and the Greens. The result has intensified internal Labour fears about losing progressive voters to the Greens, particularly over issues like the party's stance on the war in Gaza.
Political Reactions and Internal Labour Turmoil
Karl Turner, the Labour MP who succeeded John Prescott in Hull East, expressed disappointment over the defection but noted it was unsurprising. He stated, "David was born into the Labour Party and like myself he was from a rock-solid socialist and trade union family." Turner added that John Prescott would likely be furious, but his anger would be directed at Labour for allowing progressive voters to drift away to what they perceive as a more left-wing alternative.
In the aftermath of the by-election defeat, some Labour MPs have called for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reconsider his leadership. John Trickett, Labour MP for Normanton and Hemsworth, posted on social media, "Labour lost votes in every direction and the same problem is replicated across the country. The result of bad political choices made by the PM. Labour needs new leadership." Another Labour MP described the result as a "punch in the face for the Labour Party and for Keir Starmer's premiership," advocating for a progressive alliance to counter Reform.
Polling Data and Green Party Momentum
A recent YouGov poll for Sky News showed the Green Party leapfrogging Labour into second place, with support rising four points to 21%. Pollsters attributed this surge largely to the publicity from the Gorton and Denton by-election. Green Party leaders have framed this as an existential crisis for Labour, capitalizing on growing disillusionment among progressive voters.
Prime Minister Starmer acknowledged the disappointing performance in Gorton and Denton but emphasized that it is not uncommon for incumbent governments to lose by-elections. He vowed to continue fighting for voters and against political extremes on both the right and left, stating, "I will also fight against the extremes in politics on the right and on the left - parties who want to tear our country apart." The Labour Party has declined to comment on David Prescott's move to the Greens.
Background on David Prescott
David Prescott, one of John Prescott's two sons with his wife Pauline, has a complex political history. He previously sought selection as a Labour candidate in several seats, including his father's former constituency of East Hull, as well as Greenwich and Woolwich and Hull West and Hessle, but was unsuccessful. He did secure the Labour candidacy for Gainsborough in the 2015 general election, losing to Conservative MP Edward Leigh.
In 2017, Prescott was suspended from his role as an aide to Jeremy Corbyn following allegations of harassment, which he denied. No formal complaint was lodged, and his party membership was not suspended at the time. A Green Party source mentioned that Prescott has not publicly discussed his defection out of respect for Labour friends but was among 2,000 supporters who helped elect Hannah in Gorton and Denton.
This defection and polling shift signal a potential reshaping of UK politics, as the Green Party gains traction among disaffected Labour voters, challenging the traditional two-party dynamic.
