Party deputy leader’s naked attempt to manipulate colleagues via social media constitutes attempted bullying

Labour deputy leader Tom Watson has been condemned for an attempt to bully colleagues in the Shadow Cabinet over a motion of no confidence suggested by a Lewisham West and Penge Labour member in the constituency’s MP, Ellie Reeves.

Watson tweeted about supposed ‘bullying’ of a Labour MP in terms clearly designed to pressure colleagues:

The motion has already been withdrawn after a request from Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Watson’s blatant manoeuvring was condemned by Labour activists, who pointed out that his behaviour is likely to foster division between MPs and local members and actually increases the likelihood of deselection attempts:

Under Labour rules, every constituency party has the right to require a full selection process if one in three of the CLP’s branches votes for one. The party initiated the so-called ‘trigger’ process at the end of June, asking Labour MPs to indicate whether they wish to stand again at the next general election. MPs who return a positive response will automatically be shortlisted in any ‘triggered’ selection.

Watson’s treatment of his Shadow Cabinet colleagues is far from the first time that he has been accused of or associated with bullying.

His chief of staff has been accused of racially-motivated bullying of another staff member – with Watson failing to take action. He threw a huge ‘bully’ tantrum during a meeting of Labour’s National Executive Committee – and was accused by Sandwell councillor Yvonne Davies of ‘making [her] life a misery’.

Tom Watson was contacted for comment.

SKWAWKBOX view:

As usual, Tom Watson is at the core of trouble far more than any members attempting to exercise their democratic right under Labour rules.



As Watson’s history shows, he is in no position to accuse anyone else in the Labour party of bullying.

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