Tom Watson quits as Labour deputy leader and steps down as MP

Exclusive: move will reopen debate about party’s direction under Jeremy Corbyn. Tom Watson is quitting parliament and stepping down as Labour’s deputy leader, reopening the debate about the party’s direction under Jeremy Corbyn. Watson, who is one of Labour’s best-known figures, has represented the constituency of West Bromwich East since 2001. In a letter to Corbyn released by Labour, he said his decision to step down was “personal, not political”. He added: