ANALYSIS: The Labour leadership are standing by Peter Willsman for now
4 min read
Shortly before 8pm last night, the WhatsApp group used by moderate Labour MPs suddenly came alive.
Word was spreading about a tweet posted by deputy leader Tom Watson on the latest twist in the anti-Semitism row to hit the party in recent weeks.
A recording had earlier emerged of Peter Willsman, a member of Labour's national executive committee and an ally of Jeremy Corbyn, pouring scorn on those making allegations of Jew hatred.
"Some of these people in the Jewish community support Trump - they're Trump fanatics and all the rest of it," he said. "So I am not going to be lectured to by Trump fanatics making up daft information without any evidence at all."
Watson's tweet was succinct and to the point: "For the avoidance of doubt: Peter Willsman is and always has been a loud mouthed bully. He disgusts me."
In actual fact, Willsman's words had first been reported by the Jewish Chronicle two weeks ago.
Despite taking issue with the accuracy of the coverage, the veteran left-winger apologised - thereby avoiding any disciplinary action.
He said: "I accept that what I did say, and the way I said it, fell short of the requirement, which I accept, for discussions of contentious issues to be conducted in a fully civil and respectful way.
"I deeply apologise for any offence caused to those present and those to whom my remarks were reported."
Labour general secretary Jennie Formby told the Jewish Labour Movement she had "made clear any repetition of similar conduct is likely to result in formal disciplinary action".
But the emergence of the recording, which lays bare the anger in Willsman's voice as he speaks, has led to fresh calls for him to be removed from the nine-strong slate of left-wing candidates currently standing for election to Labour's NEC.
They even have their own hashtag - #JC9 - making clear their loyalty to Jeremy Corbyn - who, incidentally, was present at the meeting where Willsman spoke out.
Others on the slate, including Momentum founder and Corbyn associate Jon Lansman, are remaining silent on the furore for now.
Significantly, however, high-profile Corbyn supporters have been quick this morning to distance themselves from their former comrade.
As the pressure builds, the Labour party's official line is that the matter has been dealt with. They are reluctant to give their critics the satisfaction of a scalp.
A senior source said: "This case has been treated like any other. It was looked into, he gave a full apology which showed he understood why his behaviour wasn’t appropriate and the matter has been resolved."
But the feeling remains that the Labour knives are out for Willsman and it may only be a matter of time before he is ditched entirely.
