A petition that states “No Confidence in Tom Watson MP as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party!” is gathering momentum. this comes after the suspension of the Labour MP Chris Williamson over remarks about the party’s handling of anti-Semitism.
Tom Watson is seen to be the primary person behind the suspension of Chris Williamson
Labour’s deputy leader, Tom Watson, has accused suspended MP Chris Williamson of being “deliberately inflammatory”
Watson said: “I’ve seen his recent contributions that have appeared online and was very concerned it was almost like he was being deliberately inflammatory, deliberately trying to cause offence to people who are concerned about antisemitism – not just the Jewish community but people who are fighting racism in their daily political lives.”
He added: “I’m very clear – his behaviour in my view was unacceptable, which is why it was absolutely right for the whip to be removed and him to be suspended.”
Chris Williamson remarks were as follows:
“We’ve done more to address the scourge of anti-Semitism than any political party.”
Chris Williamson’s remarks at the Momentum event were obtained by the Yorkshire Post.
To applause from those present, Mr Williamson said: “The party that has done more to stand up to racism is now being demonised as a racist, bigoted party.
“I have got to say I think our party’s response has been partly responsible for that because in my opinion… we’ve backed off far too much, we have given too much ground, we’ve been too apologetic…
“We’ve done more to actually address the scourge of anti-semitism than any other political party. Any other political party. And yet we are being traduced.”
Labour bosses demanded that he retract his comments and apologise, while deputy leader Tom Watson led calls for him to have the whip suspended.
Chris Williamson made a formal apology for his remarks. But the Suspension was still made. You can read the apology and see the actual video to judge for yourself HERE
Two hashtag campaigns are running in support of Chris Williamson.
#IStandWithChrisWilliamson #IStandWithJeremyCorbyn
The online petition reads:
We, the undersigned, have no confidence in the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Tom Watson MP, and petition for him to be removed from his post for repeated attacks on the Labour Party, it’s membership and it’s voters. He is undermining the fight we are all trying to take to the Tories, undermining the various campaigns we are involved in across the country and repeatedly bringing the party into disrepute.
In the 2015 Deputy Leadership election Tom Watson MP stood on a platform that claimed he would stand by the leader, no matter who that turned out to be. On different occasions he has openly and subversively attacked the leadership of the party as the opportunities have presented themselves. He has betrayed the mandate he sought from the membership and therefore holds no legitimacy in his role.
Thank you for your attention.
The petition link HERE
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