Thread by @swardley

Good questions by @LenMcCluskey - ... will the new "democracy" based @TheIndGroup members be standing down and initiating by-elections to gain a mandate from the people or is it just anti-Corbyn with grossly unfair accusations?

I've listened to members of @TheIndGroup who stood on Labour manifestos describe Labour as bullying, vicious and other slurs. They've talked about how it doesn't represent them. Well, what matters is whether the @TheIndGroup represent their voters. They should call by-elections.

To not call by-elections and yet claim to stand for "the best interests of our constituents" and "democracy" is simple hypocrisy. They achieved a mandate to represent on the back of a manifesto they have now rejected. They have no mandate. By-elections are a necessity now.

It is disappointing to hear MPs claim they are making a choice because of "popular will" and to stand up for the unrepresented but at the same time be unwilling to test that through by-elections which they've dismissed. They should have more courage in their convictions.

It is not in my view a good day for @TheIndGroup ... rather than using attacks on Labour as some justification for their choice, they should have put forward a strong positive future whilst encouraging others to join and to stand by their convictions by calling for by-elections.

X : Are you happy that the Labour MPs have split?
Me : Happy? No. I really wished they could have worked on making changes in Labour. I'm mindful that part of the group seemed to refuse to accept Corbyn as leader whilst others had legitimate concerns about the party ...

... however, that said, I'm glad it's resolved. This threat has been hanging over the party for some time. It's sad, particularly loss of certain MPs but c'est la vie. One to move on from and learn from.

X : Do you think this is the end of Labour's broad church?
Me : Quite the opposite. This is an opportunity to reflect and improve. It should be treated as such.

Just seen @tom_watson statement - - this is truly wonderful (thank you @snowded).

It makes me rethink my own words today and the rollercoaster of feelings. Beautiful. A must watch and an inspiring statement. This is what we need to be.