Tom Watson: ‘Was I disloyal? I don't take kindly to being told what to do'

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The former deputy Labour leader talks about Jeremy Corbyn, the party’s future – and why losing eight stone saved his life

Tom Watson’s friends say he is half the man he used to be. He has lost eight stone, and over the past couple of years a fitter, sleeker, more energised Watson has emerged; he is now retraining as a gym instructor. Those of a less friendly disposition would also say he is half the man he used to be. They accuse Labour’s former deputy leader of betraying his party, by undermining Jeremy Corbyn time and again. Longer-term critics would say he was never much of a man, and wish they could have dispensed with him years ago.

It’s 11am on Friday 13 December, the day after the night before, and the inquest into Labour’s trouncing has already begun. Watson is upset, emotional and exhausted. He has been up all night, and is about to phone friends who have lost their seats to offer support. There are lots of them. Even West Bromwich East, the seat he held for 18 years, has gone Tory – for the first time.

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/353KSaz

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