Tom Watson: Forget who would make the best PM and vote Labour

Written by:
  • Kevin Schofield
Posted On: 
2nd May 2017

Tom Watson has called on voters to vote Labour regardless of who they think should lead the country.

In an apparent swipe at Jeremy Corbyn, Labour's deputy leader said: "Sometimes the most important question isn’t what makes the best PM, it’s who makes the best MP."

Mr Watson also seemed to acknowledge that his party is heading for election defeat on 8 June, insisting that it must instead focus on getting "the maximum number of MPs" to stand up to the Government.

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He made his comments in a speech to the Usdaw union's conference in Blackpool in which he highlighted the work of campaigning Labour MPs.

"We’ve heard a lot of talk about the qualities you need in a Prime Minister," said Mr Watson. "Theresa May doesn’t think that the ability to answer questions is one of them.

"But sometimes the most important question isn’t what makes the best PM. It’s who makes the best MP.

He added: "A vote for Labour isn’t just a vote for a properly funded NHS, a £10 minimum wage, more affordable housing, 10,000 more police officers.

"It’s a vote against the Conservative party having a blank cheque to do whatever they damn well like. The landslide victory May demands will see the Tory party off to the races. The brakes will be off, the country will be out of control.

"Labour needs the maximum number of MPs in Parliament if we're going to stand up for you stand up for the many, stand up to the few. Don't give Mrs May what she wants. Vote Labour on 8 June."

Security minister Ben Wallace MP, said: "This is nonsense from Tom Watson. The simple fact is Jeremy Corbyn will claim each and every vote for any Labour candidate as a vote for him and his failed, disastrous and dangerous ideas.

"Putting him in Downing Street means putting a weak and floundering leader in charge of Brexit negotiations, sitting across the table from 27 EU leaders determined to do a deal that works for them.

"Jeremy Corbyn would embarrass Britain in Brussels, just as Diane Abbott has embarrassed Labour with her chaotic police announcement. It’s no wonder candidates want nothing to do with him."