Share

Tom Watson: Corbyn’s refusal to quit ‘putting party in peril’

It came after more than 60 Labour MPs resigned from Mr Corbyn’s frontbench team, and the party’s MPs voted overwhelmingly that they had “no confidence” in Mr Corbyn.

Advertisement

Senior leaders Theresa May, Liam Fox, Michael Gove, Stephen Crabb and Jeremy Hunt are the other likely candidates. He has steadfastly refused to step aside, even as the Labour Party has veered toward a possible breakup if he won’t go.

“We are a democratic party, with a clear constitution”, the left-wing leader added.

His backing for Corbyn contrasts with Scottish Labour leader Dugdale calling for him to quit after a vote of no confidence was overwhelmingly passed by the party’s group of MPs.

“Our communities and country need a strong united Labour opposition and a future Labour Government with a leader to hold on to its support and reach out beyond”.

While Jennie Formby, of Unite the Union, said that it was “ridiculous” to blame Corbyn for the referendum result, Dave Ward – the Communication Workers Union general secretary – said the Blairite virus was “spreading again and we need to top-up the antidote”.

After fellow Lewisham MP Heidi Alexander spearheaded a mass revolt by the Parliamentary Labour Party the situation has become so farcical that it’s untenable not to pick a side – she either remains a loyal whip or resigns the role. Bookmakers have her as the favourite to take over, followed by deputy leader Tom Watson.

“I’ve supported Jeremy Corbyn all the way along from the moment he was elected because I thought it was absolutely the right thing to do”.

He told his supporters that he has done his best to develop the party’s policies since elected as the party leader previous year and knew that some Labour MPs did not agree with his plans.

Prime Minister David Cameron announced on Friday, the day after the referendum, that he would resign, and a power struggle has begun within the Conservative Party over who will succeed him.

“I think a lot of what he stands for is very important for us going forward”.

Meanwhile, Tory heavyweights Boris Johnson and Theresa May are set to enter the Tory leadership contest after nominations opened for the race to succeed Mr Cameron in Downing Street.

Advertisement

‘This is the worst job in politics – being leader of the Labour party as leader of the opposition.

LABOUR LATEST: Now ex-Worcester parliamentary candidate calls on Jeremy Corbyn to go