Watson launches new group to save Labour from Corbyn
MODERATES last night launched a fightback to save Labour from a “near death experience” at the hands of the hard Left.
Around 150 MPs and peers went to the launch of Tom Watson’s new party within a party, including some of Jeremy Corbyn’s own frontbench.
The deputy Labour leader was told “you’re the only one who can save the party” by despairing Centrists.
Labour has lost nine MPs in recent weeks over its handling of Brexit, anti-Semitism and foreign policy.
Lord Mandelson, a former foe of Mr Watson, said the group must prevent a repeat of the “near death experiences we went through in the 1980s”.The peer was one of 13 former Cabinet ministers and 13 current frontbenchers to attend the Future Britain Group.
Ex-leader Lord Kinnock, who told of his battles with the hard Left in the 1980s, was there with Baroness Kinnock and MP son Stephen.
MP Dame Margaret Hodge said the group was a “sanctuary” for MPs and peers who were not Corbynites.
One MP said the meeting gave hope to frustrated backbenchers and made them feel better about staying in the party.
Mr Watson told the meeting: “The last few weeks have been very difficult and upsetting.”
He said the walkout by moderate MPs had been a “personal wake-up call to step up and do more”. Mr Watson added: “I really fear that unless we restore pluralism and tolerance to this party it will be irreparably damaged and we will see a schism bigger than any we have experienced in our long history.”
MP Darren Jones, who will be coordinating the group, said: “What we are rep resenting now is the mainstream.”
The group was more heavily attended than the party’s formal weekly meeting shortly afterwards.
It was addressed by John McDonnell, who is tipped to go head to head with Mr Watson to fight for the leadership in the near future.