Tom Watson quits as deputy leader of Labour and steps down as MP

“Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn has thanked Tom for his contribution to the Party over three decades and paid tribute to the work he has done to take on the vested interests of the Murdoch empire, the big sugar companies and the gambling industry.

“Tom will continue to play an active part in the General Election campaign, as the country faces a stark choice: transformational change for the many with Labour, or more divisive austerity politics serving the few with the Tories.

“After the election, Tom will be focusing on campaigns to overcome the Tory-fuelled public health crisis. He will be setting up a new organisation championing remission for all type 2 diabetics and has a book on ‘downsizing’ coming out in January about his own health journey.”

In his letter to Jeremy Corbyn, Mr Watson said the decision had been “very difficult”.

He added: “But now is the right time for me to stand down from the House of Commons and start a different kind of life. The decision is personal, not political.

“The last few years have been among the most transformational of my personal life, second only to becoming a proud father of two beautiful children. I’ve become healthy for the first time, and I intend to continue with this work in the years to come.”

Mr Watson, who held the West Bromwich East seat since 2001, said he would still campaign for the party.

His letter continued: “I might be standing down as an MP but I won’t be leaving politics altogether.

“This election is a turning point for our country and I know that Labour goes into it united in our determination to remove the Conservative government that has done so much damage to the communities Labour was founded to represent.

“I will be taking an active part in this election campaign. I will continue as Deputy Leader until 12 December and will do everything I can to return a team of Labour MPs who will transform our country.”