Skip to main content

Tom Watson has peerage blocked

FORMER Labour deputy leader Tom Watson is one of three people to have their nominations for peerages by ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn blocked, it is understood.

Mr Watson was nominated by Mr Corbyn to be elevated to the House of Lords, according to the Independent.

Former Commons speaker John Bercow and ex-director of Mr Corbyn’s office Karie Murphy were also turned down for peerages by the independent watchdog that oversees appointments, according to the newspaper.

A Labour source told the PA news agency: “These were appointments suggested by the previous Labour leader.

“We are not involved in the decision-making process. [Present leader] Keir Starmer hasn’t been asked to make any appointments.”

The Independent suggested that Mr Watson was rejected for a peerage because he had promoted the claims of fantasist Carl Beech, who claimed a paedophile ring had operated in Westminster.

The claims led the Metropolitan Police to conduct dawn raids on the homes of the late military chief Lord Bramall, the late Lord Brittan and former MP Harvey Proctor.

Mr Beech is now serving an 18-year jail term for making up a string of fabricated allegations of rape, torture and murder.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 6,981
We need:£ 11,019
13 Days remaining
Donate today