Thread by @paulwaugh

Amazing news in LabourLand tonight. I'm told @jonlansman tabled motion to NEC to ABOLISH post of deputy leader, citing @tom_watson disloyalty on Brexit. Motion passed by 17-10 but lacked 2/3 majority. It will be on agenda for NEC trmw.

@jonlansman @tom_watson Vote came after chair ruled motion out of order, NEC objected by 17-10 but not enough. Watson had earlier passed on apologies for absence as he was looking after his kids.

@jonlansman @tom_watson Unite reps voted to hear the motion as did Andy Kerr, source says.

Momentum source: "No one person is more important than beating Boris Johnson, ending austerity and tackling the climate emergency. We just can’t afford to go into an election with a deputy leader set on wrecking Labour’s chances.

"Labour members overwhelmingly want a deputy leadership election, but our outdated rulebook won’t let it happen. You need 20% of Labour MPs to trigger an election, and they just won’t let the members have a fair and open election.”

STORY HERE: huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/labour-n…

Now with full detail of how the meeting unfolded.
One NEC source tells me Watson's post is almost certain to be scrapped tomorrow. "They’ve got the votes they need. The Unite-Momentum axis has the numbers.”

Among those who voted to hear Lansman motion were @HackneyAbbott and Rebecca Long-Bailey.

NEC source: “This proves this conference is not about the general election. It is about cementing control of the party.”