Well done Tom Watson
It's bizarre to read through the comments under Tom Watson's resignation letter to Tony Blair.
Watson gets roughly equal shares of support and criticism, but what leaves me perplexed are those who criticise him for "starting a civil war" (their terms, not mine) in the Labour Party.
This is crazy. If there are already two sides (at least) in the party and they're ready to fight politically bloody battles to win control of Number 10, then why on earth should Watson be blamed for "starting" them? What's the sense in arguing that Watson should have kept quiet, only for the opposing sides to merely plot against, and keep secrets from each other?
Personally, I think Watson's done the sensible thing. Not in the sense of looking after the future of the party - I couldn't give a monkeys for Labour anymore - but in the sense that he has allowed himself to live by his conscience, rather than have it dictated to him by the Whips Office.
Like one or two of his supportive commenters, I don't know anyone who actually likes this Government any more. I can't forgive them for PFI, which looms over our schools like a death sentence, or for bending over for George W Bush.
I hate it when I come over all politically bitter. I should get out more.
Labels: writing
