THE deputy leader of the Labour Party, West Bromwich East MP, has weighed into the Sandwell leadership election.

Ahead of tomorrow's leadership election between councillors Steve Eling, Yvonne Davies and Ian Jones, Mr Watson has given the News an exclusive statement.

He said: "I am very concerned to read recent revelations about Sandwell council. These allegations are very serious and I am sure they will be considered by the Standards committee of the council in due course. 

"But let me be clear about what is going to happen. Sandwell residents demand full transparency from the Labour leadership of the council.

"I applaud Steve Eling for committing himself to full publication of both the Wragge report and the QCs advice. 

"I expect any councillor putting their name forward for the post of leader or deputy leader to follow Councillor Eling's lead. To do otherwise would leave them open to allegations of attempting to cover up serious claims of wrongdoing. 

"This will not be tolerated and I speak for the vast majority of Labour councillors when I say this.

"Secondly, if wrongdoing is identified by any elected representative of the Labour Party, they will have no future in the Labour Party.

"This council is well run by Labour and I will not let any individual tarnish the reputation of the councillors who work so hard every day of every week standing up for Sandwell residents.

"Thirdly, when the reports are published whatever changes have to be made to the corporate governance of the council will be implemented as a matter of urgency by our Labour councillors.

"Finally, let me assure local people that I share their understandable concern about recent events and I will not hesitate to take whatever action is necessary in order to retain their trust in our team of Labour councillors in Sandwell."

The Wragge Report is being published at 5pm today (Thursday).