The
Observer has spoken to Labour MPs, peers and supporters who are all on the verge of quitting. “I know personally there are up to 20 MPs sitting on the cliff edge,” said one MP. “The interesting thing is of the 20, it’s whether they jump or are kicked off.” Another said: “100%, more will go.” Several peers are also considering their position. “In many cases they’ve had 50 or 60 years of membership,” said one. “It is a wrench. However, there are people in the ‘not if, but when’ mode.”
Some MPs have had to see the funny side of the turmoil that was unleashed. “I’ve had two groups coming to me,” said one MP close to the defectors. “One group saying: ‘Come and join us, this is the new thing.’ And another saying: ‘Why don’t you fuck off and join your mates.’ But I think going would let [the leadership] off the hook.”
Many MPs said one of the most remarkable moments of the week came when Tom Watson, the party’s deputy leader, said the decision by the Labour resigners was premature. It was taken by many as tacit acknowledgement that a more serious split is likely. Prominent figures from the New Labour years believe something bigger is happening. Former cabinet minister John Hutton said: “Brexit is straining the fibres that keep our main parties together very profoundly. Depending on how things go over the next couple of weeks, we could be looking at very significant changes in the structure of British politics.”
The reaction from the Labour leader and his allies has been inconsistent. Shadow chancellor John McDonnell has attempted to sympathise with Berger’s case and suggested the party is edging towards support for a second referendum – and is fighting for changes to the way Corbyn’s office is run. There is also some action against antisemitism. The party is set to appoint Charlie Falconer, the former lord chancellor, to
review its complaints procedures. The idea has been discussed for some time and was originally proposed by former Labour leader Ed Miliband.
However, Corbyn on Saturday went on the attack, expressing disappointment that former Labour MPs had opted to “join forces with disaffected Tories, who say they have no problem with austerity that has plunged thousands into desperate poverty and insecurity”. His team believes their ace card is that far from representing change, the new group actually represents a failed centre-ground politics incapable of dealing with the country’s problems.
