Anti-gambling crusader Tom Watson lands new job... with Paddy Power!
‘A bad choice he should reconsider’
FORMER deputy Labour leader Tom Watson came under fire last night for accepting a job with one of the UK’s biggest online betting firms.
The ex-MP was one of the industry’s most vocal critics in Parliament, branding problem gambling ‘ a public health emergency’ in 2018.
He also previously hit out at the ‘predatory’ tactics used by online betting firms to lure people in, saying Britain was ‘in the grip of a gambling epidemic’.
But yesterday it emerged he is to become a paid adviser to online betting giant Flutter Entertainment, the owner of Paddy Power.
The firm was one of five that were criticised earlier this year by the NHS’s mental health director, Claire Murdoch, for using ‘deeply disturbing’ tactics that risk turning people into addicts.
Flutter said that Mr Watson’s salary would be on a retainer basis of less than six figures.
Critics and mental health campaigners last night urged the former shadow culture minister to reconsider the move.
Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: ‘I’m deeply saddened by him doing this because he had always said while he was in Parliament he supported the drive to bring gambling back from its abusive behaviour, but instead he’s now involved in a gambling company... It’s a bad choice and one he should reconsider.’ Norman Lamb, chairman of the NHS Maudsley mental health trust, said: ‘I like Tom and admire the work that he did in Parliament making the case for the harm done by online gambling firms.
‘So I’m surprised and disappointed he’s taken on this role and urge him to reconsider.’
Matt Zarb-Cousin, of the Clean Up Gambling campaign, said: ‘We hope Flutter don’t stand in the way of the reforms their new adviser once proposed.’
As shadow culture secretary Mr Watson proposed a ban on TV and online gambling adverts during live sporting events, a ban on credit card betting and a tax on gambling firms of 1 per cent of revenues, for helping to treat addicts.
He also supported the campaign to have the maximum stake allowed on fixed odds betting terminals dropped to £2.
The industry has faced growing calls to introduce new measures to protect vulnerable people after regular gamblers stepped up their betting during lockdown.
Mr Watson sparked controversy earlier this year after accepting a new role as chairman of UK Music. Critics questioned his credentials for the job and his judgment after his role in the VIP child sex abuse inquiry sparked by serial liar ‘Nick’, real name Carl Beech, whom he met and supported. Mr Watson, who stepped down as an MP in November last year, said: ‘[Flutter] convinced me that they were serious about letting me... jump in at the deep end of the company.’
Peter Jackson, Flutter’s chief executive, said: ‘We have... to find a way to continue to bring great products and brands to our customers while always having the need to protect the vulnerable clearly in mind. Tom will hold a mirror up to help us make sure we are getting this balance right.’
The Mail’s Stop the Gambling Predators campaign continues to call for greater protection for addicts.