Tom Watson: Labour’s new deputy leader who could save the party

While Jeremy Corbyn’s stunning victory has grabbed the headlines, Tom Watson’s elevation to the deputy leadership is just as important for Labour’s future. Unlike Corbyn, Watson did not win by a landslide in the first round. After Ben Bradshaw and Angela Eagle were knocked out in the first two rounds, the MP for West Bromwich East was elected with 51 per cent of the vote. Stella Creasy came second with 26 per cent and Caroline Flint third with 23 per cent.

Watson was the favourite to win throughout the deputy leadership race and his victory looked to be an even greater certainty than Corbyn’s. In his acceptance speech, Watson signalled at the two key tasks he will be focusing on. Unlike previous deputy leaders, he clearly has no intention of meekly running the party’s operations. The first is being a Tory attack dog. Corbyn is perceived to be a gentle figure and any Tory attacks he makes won’t have as much weight as Watson’s.