Corbyn-supporting MPs even offer to lend their nominations to make sure the deputy leader can get onto the ballot

Tom Watson talking to Andrew Marr yesterday

On the BBC’s Marr show yesterday – his second appearance in as many weeks – Labour deputy leader Tom Watson talked about setting up a group of ‘social democrats’ within the party and justified it by referring to his mandate from the two hundred thousand or so members who voted for him as deputy leader in 2015.

While many Labour members responded by challenging Watson to test his mandate by triggering another election for his deputy’s position, a number of Labour MPs have reacted by calling on Watson to challenge Jeremy Corbyn for the leadership itself.

One Labour MP put it succinctly:

Another sub-group? Tom should go for the leadership, then he can appoint an entire shadow cabinet if he wins.

Other MPs have made similar comments, with Corbyn supporters even offering to ‘lend’ Watson their nomination to make sure he receives enough to mount the challenge. As incumbent leader, Corbyn would automatically be on the ballot.

SKWAWKBOX comment:

Watson now needs to put up or shut up. If he really thinks he has a mandate for his current actions, he has no excuse.

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