Tom Watson’s newly formed Future Britain Group has received a surge of interest from Labour councillors and grassroots members, his team announced today. The deputy leader established the group to develop social democratic policy ideas after nine MPs quit the party, but critics have labelled it a “party within a party” and a challenge to Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership.
Over 150 Labour MPs and peers attended the inaugural meeting in Westminster last night, including New Labour figures David Blunkett and Peter Mandelson. Darren Jones MP, who is leading on policy for the group, said: “We’ve had lots of emails from people who want to get involved… What’s clear is there is a huge demand for this.”
Lord Mandelson said it was time for Blairites and Brownites to work together to “save the party”. The meeting was also attended by shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald and shadow ministers Tracy Brabin, Rosena Allin-Khan and Liam Byrne.
Mr Watson caused controversy with the launch, as some Corbyn supporters believe he is laying the ground for a leadership bid. He denied this, saying the group aims to pull the Parliamentary Labour Party together after members quit due to unhappiness. He warned: “Unless we restore pluralism and tolerance to this party it will be irreparably damaged.”
A spokeswoman denied Future Britain was an attempt to challenge Labour’s Momentum group, which has been pivotal in campaigning for the party in marginal seats.
