Tom Watson looks to the future after Labour poll gain and PM’s ‘referendum on herself’

Reflecting on a General Election that he said had ‘breathed new life’ into Labour, the newly re-elected MP for West Bromwich East said his party’s message had ‘clearly resonated’ with young voters.

He was due to speak to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and fellow shadow cabinet members this morning to discuss how the party can build on the momentum gained in Thursday’s poll.

Labour had been widely predicted to lose further ground at the election but ended up gaining 29 seats on a disastrous night for the Conservatives, who lost 12 seats.

Labour deputy leader Mr Watson said today: “We have exceeded all expectations from national commentators.

“It is an uncertain period for everyone involved in politics but it is also terrifically exciting.

“There are thousands of us here in the Black Country who are up for continuing to campaign for a fairer and more equal society under Labour.”

Mr Watson said the election had ‘breathed new life’ into Labour and hailed the impact of the youth vote, which he said had helped boost his party’s performance at the polls.

The turnout for 18 to 24 year olds was more than 60 per cent, a substantial rise from the 43 per cent figure from 2015.

“The number of young people involved in the campaign has been fantastic to see,” he said.

“Hopefully they will stay with us and in this area we can encourage them to get involved in local politics and local democracy.

“If they have turned out in the large numbers that are being talked about then our message has clearly resonated with them.”

Mr Watson launched a stinging attack on Mrs May in a speech in Sandwell shortly after he had been re-elected, branding her a ‘damaged’ Prime Minister whose reputation ‘may never recover’.

He said today: “Let’s be clear on this. Theresa May called this election and went all out to turn it into a referendum on herself.

“And she made a complete mess of it.

“The result is that she has seen her support evaporate.”

Mr Watson was re-elected as the MP for West Bromwich East with a reduced majority of 7,713.