Jeremy Corbyn saves Tom Watson and he survives attempt to oust him

Deputy Labour leader Tom Watson has survived an attempt to oust him but his post will be reviewed.

Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) had been expected to vote on a motion to abolish the post in a meeting on Saturday.

But following an intervention by party leader Jeremy Corbyn, the potentially explosive vote did not take place.

Jeremy Corbyn Living Wage announcement — Jeremy Corbyn proposed that the motion not go to a vote, a source said (Ben Birchall/PA)

A Labour source said:

Jeremy Corbyn proposed that the motion not go to a vote and instead that there be a review of the position of deputy leader and other positions in support of the leader.

This will consider how democratic accountability can be strengthened to give members a greater say, expanding the number of elected positions, and how diverse representation can be further improved.

The NEC agreed to his proposal.

Watson has publicly clashed, and contradicted Corbyn on a number of occasions and has been pushing for Labour to back staying in the European Union in any future referendum.

He recently called for a new Brexit referendum to be held before a general election.

Tags: Labour Party

Comments 2

Smythe-Mogg says:

7 years ago

Watson’s position on Brexit is not untenable and merits being debated.

As matters now stand, Brexit after being in the hands of Cameron, May, and Johnson is an unholy mess. ‘No-deal’, particularly without transitional arrangements, guarantees disruption, discord, and possibly much worse. Any deal reached within the supposed deadline will be a cobbled together arrangement likely to unravel when put to the test.

Johnson’s haste has nothing to do with genuine urgency for the nation as a whole. Our economy won’t collapse if Article 50 is revoked whereas any alternative put together in these final days could be disastrous for us and for mainland Europe. It’s clear that negotiations have not been conducted in good faith. Moreover, Johnson has adopted the stance of tough ‘Art of the Deal’ Donald Trump negotiation. Not only is Johnson ill-fitted by virtue of experience for that approach but also it is entirely wrong for the circumstances.

If the UK is to detach itself wholly or partially from the EU the result must be something both parties can live with, otherwise a can of worms is merely kicked down the road. Trouble follows from recent UK governments having adopted belligerence as means of forwarding foreign policy. Johnson’s mentality matches that of ‘Gav the chav’ Williamson when in office of Defence Secretary: empty ‘macho’ posing.

It ought be obvious, but clearly isn’t, to every reasonable person that fiasco must be halted before it becomes shambles. That ought be regardless of their opinion when the referendum was conducted.

Unfortunately pride is at stake. Primarily that of Johnson but also to some extent among political figures and negotiators in the EU led on a wild goose chase and now backed into a corner. How soon may we be be rid of this foolish and turbulent prime minister?

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loon says:

7 years ago

Its a very revealing shambles as in a coup upon democratic principals many of us? thought would be followed when mutliple vote failures comes for the governement in power an election is called.
Didn’t happen.
Then having the Queen suspend parliament at the request of those who have failed.
No General Election is happening as the politicains haven’t the nerve to even pose what the election issue will be to run on concerning Brexit?
Hate to see what a real shambles looks like.
In Canada here I heard one say in a quiet voice “its insane”.
A lot of English tourists have suddenly showed up here. One wonders if they are planning to emigrate.
The neighbours children have moved to Canada saying the referendum as presented now bears no relationship to what was voted upon in 2016.
Scotland, Ireland., Wales certainly have a motivation to be on their own as well.
Smaller countries seem to do very well as the Nordic Counties do with a democracy. It was remarked upon in early Greece the ideal number of citizens for a democracy was 5000.
I think there is something in this which captures my interest.