Tom Watson considering running for Labour deputy leader
West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson said he 'would consider' running to be deputy leader of the Labour party after Harriet Harman announced she would step down from the role.
Miss Harman has been appointed Labour's caretaker leader following Ed Miliband's resignation.
And Mr Watson, former deputy chairman of Labour said he was interested in putting himself forward.
Asked for his thoughts on Labour's election loss he said: "It's a little premature to understand exactly what went on.
"From 2005 we've been losing blue collar, working class voters.
"We didn't sufficiently convince people we are the party of working class people as we have been.
"I'm not sure we convinced small businesses we're on their side."
On Miss Harman's announcement he said: "Harriet is one of the great campaigners. She has been deputy leader for seven years.
"I would consider it. I've always thought the deputy leader role is a campaigning role.
"This party has to keep campaigning while we understand what went on in the General Election.
"Yes, I would consider it.
He paid tribute to Ed Miliband and the ex-shadow chancellor Ed Balls, who lost his seat in the election.
Mr Watson said: "I'm sad to see my colleagues go.
"Not just Ed Miliband and Ed Balls but also David Wright, who represented Telford.
"There are highs and lows in politics but when Ed Miliband reflects on his five years there are many good things that we can look back on."
