Tom Watson’s announcement of his departure from political life may mean nothing is left “holding moderates back in” in the party, lamented Shuker on BBC Newsnight last night. When asked by Emily Matlis about what Watson’s departure would mean for the Labour party Shuker didn’t hold back. He said: “I think it tells you what’s been obvious for a long time.

“The moderates in the Labour party have lost.

“The key difference here of course is that earlier this year Tom Watson was the one holding moderates back in.”

Shuker, a former Labour MP now standing as an independent Parliamentary candidate for Luton South, has long been a critic of Labour under Jeremy Corbyn.

He along with several other MPs including the likes of Chukka Ummuna, Chris Leslie and Luciana Berger left to form the Change UK Party earlier this year.

The group had cited antisemitism in the party and a hi-jacking of the party by the ‘hard-left’.

Shuker, last night went further saying: “I think there will be many, including those that were in the exit door around the time that we went to set up Change UK, who will take the view they’ve been abandoned.”

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Tom Watson, has for a long time been seen as a voice of moderation in the Labour party often directly contradicting those in the Mr Corbyn’s camp.

Watson, who had represented West Bromwich East since 2001, had clashed with Mr Corbyn over the change in direction of the party since the left-winger was elected leader in 2015, most notably over Brexit.

Earlier this year Watson saw attempts from left to abolish Watson’s post who had frustrated the left of the party in particular over his criticism of the handling of the anti-semitism scandal.

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In his letter to Mr Corbyn posted to twitter today Watson downplayed the in-fighting insisting the decision was “personal, not political”.

He added: “It’s hard to find words to express my deep gratitude to the people who trusted me to fight their corner.

“I want to thank you for the decency and courtesy you have shown me over the last four years, even in difficult times.

“Our many shared interests are less well known than our political differences, but I will continue to devote myself to the things we often talk about: gambling reform, music and arts, stopping press intrusion, obesity and public health and of course horticulture and cycling.”

Mr Corbyn’s response also downplayed any conflict, appearing even more genial:

“I respect your conclusion that it is in the best interests of you and your family that you stand down.

“Although you are stepping down, I know we will continue to work together on the issues you have always championed and which we share a passion for: taking on the vested interests of the Murdoch empire, the sugar industry and the gambling companies, and standing up for the rights and interests of the people of this country.

“I am proud and glad to have worked with you over these four years and I know this is not the end of our work together.”

Mr Watson may also have been conscious of the 2016 referendum result in West Midlands East, where more than 68 percent backed Leave.

The constituency is believed to be one of the Conservative Party’s top targets next month.

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