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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Politics
Jacob Jarvis

Labour conference: Tom Watson to face hostile reception and possible walk out during speech

Tom Watson is set to face a hostile reception as he addresses the Labour conference with speculation of a mass walk out during his speech.

It comes days after Mr Watson, who has frequently been at odds with Jeremy Corbyn, survived a move to oust him from his role .

The divisive MP faces a further backlash in Brighton today with leaflets being handed out to those entering the conference urging a “walk out on Watson”.

One also urged people to “shun Tom Watson” and “support Jeremy Corbyn”.

Jeremy Corbyn intervened in a plan to oust Labout deputy leader Tom Watson (AFP/Getty Images)

The flyer said: “Tom Watson is right about one thing: there is indeed ‘a battle for the future of the Labour Party’. And he is on the wrong side.

“From the day that Jeremy Corbyn was elected leader of the Labour Party, Tom Watson has done everything in his power to sabotage and undermine him.”

A hashtag of “#walkoutonwatson” was also being banded around during discussions on twitter.

However, there was a further split in the divided Labour Party as some suggested a mass walkout might not be the best tactic to express their disdain.

Other tactics, such as turning away from Mr Watson or speaking over him, were being discussed.

A man handing out anti-Watson media outside the conference centre said: “Some people have different ideas, walk out, turn your back. We’ll see.

The failed bid to oust Mr Watson, which he claimed to be blindsided by, caused a furore on the eve of the party’s conference.

Mr Corbyn then intervened to stop a second similar vote amid the backlash at the move.

Mr Watson is set to attempt to use his speech to draw a line under the situation.

He is set to say: "I didn't choose the row going into this vital week for our party and our country, I didn't want it, I didn't seek it and I regret it.

"It was damaging, divisive and unnecessary. Unfortunately we cannot pretend it didn't happen. But let us now draw a line under it."

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