Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
You’re a f ****** disgrace
Union boss McCluskey blasts Watson
UNION chief Len McCluskey branded Labour’s deputy leader Tom Watson “a f ****** disgrace” yesterday as the row over alleged antiSemitism in the party intensified.
The Unite general secretary took the swipe on Twitter after launching a similar four-letter attack in person at a major rally attended by thousands.
The double blast came after Mr Watson condemned Labour’s treatment of anti-Semitism whistleblowers on BBC’s Panorama last week.
Eight ex-officials told the documentary they had been undermined in their efforts to tackle anti-Jewish prejudice.
Labour’s general secretary Jennie Formby, who is battling cancer, has since been criticised.
Yesterday Mr McCluskey was met with loud applause as he told the crowd at the historic Durham Miners’ Gala the attacks on Ms Formby would have been “wrong in normal circumstances” but her medical condition made them “despicable”.
He thundered: “I have a simple message for Tom Watson and his pals in the media: You should f ****** well be ashamed of yourselves.
“Jennie, our message to you is that the Durham Miners’ Gala stands with you.”
Later he vented again on Twitter, saying: “Attacking a woman going through chemotherapy – @tom watson you are a f ****** disgrace.”
Jeremy Corbyn told the Gala the Panorama programme had adopted a “predetermined position” and contained “many, many, inaccuracies”.
The Labour leader said antiSemitism was “a vile poison” and that anyone found guilty of it faced suspension of party membership or expulsion. He also vowed to cooperate with an inquiry into the claims.