Steerpike Steerpike

Diane Abbott and Tom Watson’s turf war at PMQs

It’s a big day in the Commons with the Autumn Statement. Perhaps that’s why seat tensions ran so high at PMQs among Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow cabinet.

After arriving in good time, Diane Abbott — dressed in a showstopping silver jacket — secured a prime seat next to the dear leader. Alas when Tom Watson arrived, Labour’s deputy leader thought that he should be the one who gets to sit next to Corbyn. The shadow home secretary was less than keen to give up her spot — leaving Watson awkwardly standing as a heated discussion ensued before everyone eventually agreed to budge up.

‘Taking a lady’s seat?! Labour really do have a women problem,’ quipped one observer.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in