Chris Williamson should have Labour whip withdrawn, says Tom Watson

Labour deputy leader Tom Watson has called on Jeremy Corbyn to withdraw the whip from Chris Williamson following his controversial readmission to the party.

There was widespread anger at the announcement on Wednesday that the Derby North MP has had his suspension lifted amid criticism at the way the party deals with allegations of anti-Semitism.

In a statement signed by 90 Labour MPs and peers, Mr Watson said they could not overstate the “depth and breadth of hurt and anger” at the way the case had been handled.

“We call on Jeremy Corbyn to show leadership by asking for this inappropriate, offensive and reputationally damaging decision to be overturned and reviewed,” the statement said.

“Ultimately, it is for Jeremy Corbyn to decide whether Chris Williamson retains the Labour whip.

“He must remove it immediately if we are to stand any hope of persuading anyone that the Labour Party is taking anti-Semitism seriously.”