Labour 'hit list': Jeremy Corbyn tells Black Country MP Ian Austin 'Let's move forward' after damaging media leak
Jeremy Corbyn has called on Ian Austin to unite with him and 'move forward' with the party under his leadership.
It came as reports surfaced of a plan by the Labour leader to oust fellow Black Country MP Tom Watson from his position as deputy leader.
Mr Corbyn was speaking to the Express & Star following a leadership rally in Birmingham which attracted thousands of party grassroot supporters on Saturday.
Asked what his message would be to the Dudley North MP following his inclusion on a 'hit-list' of party rebels released to the media, Mr Corbyn said: "I know Ian like I know other Labour MPs and I will be talking to Ian and all of them and say, 'well, actually on issues on austerity, economics and the politics which go with that we are united.
"We can move forward, and as we defeated the Tories on tax credits, we can do the same on these."
hMr Austin has been a vocal opponent of Mr Corbyn since he took office last year. He was even heard heckling him over the party leader's support of the Iraq war in the House of Commons.
Last night Mr Austin responded. He said: "Jeremy keeps calling for unity, but last week members were really dismayed to see his team publish a divisive hit-list of MPs
"I want a united, competent Labour Party that can earn the trust of people in the Black Country and win an election.
"Jeremy needs to put together a competent team, set out policies that win the public's trust, persuade them he's a potential Prime Minister and take us ahead in the polls."
Yesterday it was reported in a national newspaper of a meeting between Mr Corbyn and his inner circle where plans were discussed to oust West Bromwich MP Mr Watson.
Appearing on television on Sunday, Mr Corbyn did not deny the claims before adding that Mr Watson was 'obviously part' of the discussion the group were having about the future of the party.
Mr Watson was not available for comment.
