Labour’s Deputy leader Tom Watson has announced that he will be stepping down from his role and as an MP in Parliament
In a statement on Twitter Watson said
“After 35 years in full-time politics, I’ve decided to step down and will be campaigning to overcome the Tory-fuelled public health crisis. I’m as committed to Labour as ever. I will spend this election fighting for brilliant Labour candidates and a better future for our country.”
In reply Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said:
“Thank you @tom_watson for your service to our party and your constituents. I know you’ll continue to take on the vested interests of the Murdoch empire, big sugar companies and the gambling industry. This is not the end of our work together.”
Corbyn and Watson have not always seen eye to eye especially over Brexit and Watson faced an aborted attempt to be removed from his role by Momentum before the Labour Party conference in the autumn
According to The FT’s Sebastian Payne, Several Labour MPs and officials are suggesting more figures might follow Tom Watson.
One figure close to the shadow cabinet says: “Have been told there expecting more to followed in staged departures from the “moderate” wing of the party to try and stop us winning.”
