West Bromwich MP Tom Watson in running to become deputy leader of Labour Party

Mr Watson, who successfully defended his West Bromwich East seat at the General Election with a huge 9,000 majority, wants to be part of the new Labour team to pick the party up after the demoralising defeat that saw leader Ed Miliband quit.

Mr Watson suggested on Friday that he would be interested in the deputy role after Harriet Harman announced she would be standing down once the new leader had been chosen.

He has now officially announced he is in the running and has already begun drumming up support, launching a funding page to help support his campaign.

The 48-year-old has served as an MP in West Bromwich since 2001. His stock has risen in recent years as he spoke out against Rupert Murdoch during the phone-hacking scandal.

He said: "The Labour Party needs a strong leadership team that can campaign in our communities and fight back against the Tories.

"I want to be your Deputy Leader so that we can get on with the job of building a fairer, kinder Britain. I hope you can support me in my campaign."

His page can be seen at www.gofundme.com/tom_for_deputy