Tom Watson expects Jeremy Corbyn to take ‘personal lead’ in resolving 50 anti-Semitism cases

The deputy leader said he expected his boss, Corbyn, to be personally involved in resolving complaints

Labour's deputy leader has demanded Jeremy Corbyn take action personally to resolve the anti-Semitism crisis shaking the party. Tom Watson said his leader must take a "personal lead" in dealing with anti-Semitism complaints. Last week eight Labour MPs splintered from the party, resigning and opting to sit as the Independent Group in parliament. Three Conservatives have also quit and crossed the floor. [caption id="attachment_221024" align="alignnone" width="5275"] Tom Watson said he expects Jeremy Corbyn to make a personal intervention in Labour's anti-Semitism crisis (Credit: Leon Neal)[/caption] The Labour departures held a press conference, led by MP Luciana Berger, and cited anti-Semitism and racism as factors in their decision to quit. Watson said he had sent 50 specific cases of anti-Semitism to Corbyn, who understands the situation requires a "personal intervention." The deputy leader said Berger had been "bullied out of the party by a small number of racist thugs." He continued: "Of course Jeremy needs to understand that if we're going to be in Number 10, he needs to change the Labour Party and there are things we need to do. "We've got to eradicate anti-Semitism, anti-Jewish racism in all its forms [and] for us to address that now, I think he needs to take a personal lead on examining those cases and if necessary, recommend it to our National Executive Committee what needs to be done." https://twitter.com/tom_watson/status/1099638399198289921 A Labour spokesperson, responding to Watson's Andrew Marr Show appearance, said: "The Labour Party takes all complaints of anti-Semitism extremely seriously and we are committed to challenging and campaigning against it in all its forms. "All complaints about anti-Semitism are investigated in line with our rules and procedures and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken." https://twitter.com/politicsjoe_uk/status/1085645033892569088 Watson has been busy this year, closing the opposition side of debate during the meaningful vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal and vocal over the last week as MPs split from his party.