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There has been a Deputy Leader of the Labour Party since 1922, almost as old as the party itself.
Yet, after tomorrow because the politics of the incumbent are not to the liking of a majority on the NEC, it will (probably) no longer exist.
When the Tories go low...
Yet, after tomorrow because the politics of the incumbent are not to the liking of a majority on the NEC, it will (probably) no longer exist.
When the Tories go low...
Just at the moment where the government looks sectarian, narrowing, more closed, where a gap in the market exists for a big tent- Labour risks reigniting its civil war and going down exactly the same path.
It is certainly true that Watson has been a thorn in the side of the leadership. He is very much disliked by some members. However, the obvious question will be with a general election potentially only weeks away, is this really the best way for the party to spend its energies?
This will reek of the old charge (which had started to recede) that the Corbyn project cared more about internal purification than getting into office/the country at a time of national peril. They had started (against expectations of many) to look like the grown ups.
And now...
And now...
It will also reignite the conflict between the PLP/leadership just at a time when maximum cohesion is needed before an election/at a critical moment in the Brexit process. They also risk another formal split.
And for what? No more irritation at Watson writing some opeds as deep Leader.
Unless, of course, as I’ve said elsewhere, something deeper is going on here and it’s about succession planning.
Unless, of course, as I’ve said elsewhere, something deeper is going on here and it’s about succession planning.
Tweeted about this here:
The other interpretation of this is that it’s a sign of deep concern from the Labour Left that Corbyn will lose the election, have to resign and then Tom Watson will be acting Leader and they’ll have lost control of the party.
