About
I’ve spent my life in two battles: one in politics and the other with my weight. The first took me from student activism to becoming Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. The second has seen me lose the same five stone at least three times thanks to an ever-changing arsenal of diets, gadgets and gurus. Both have taught me about perseverance, resilience and the importance of humour.
Most weekends, I send a newsletter that blends politics, culture, books, music, health and occasional dispatches from the weight-loss front. Some weeks it’s serious: policy analysis, media scrutiny or reflections on public life. Other weeks it’s whimsical, personal or about the small things that make a big difference.
I’m Tom Watson, lifelong pamphleteer with over 40 years of writing behind me. I’ve written for fanzines, blogs and national newspapers and co-authored three Sunday Times bestselling books. Over 5,000 people subscribe, forming a curious, engaged and growing community of people traversing their middle years.
Why subscribe?
One great read most weekends: from serious politics to the lighter side of life
Independent perspective: insight from inside politics without the party line
Personal honesty: stories and lessons from my decades-long battle with the scales
Free to join — paid to support
Most of what I write is free. Paid subscribers occasionally get long-form specials, but mostly they choose to support my work so it remains independent and open to all.
Join the conversation
If you value curiosity, thoughtful writing and the mix of the political with the personal, subscribe free today. If you’d like to help sustain the newsletter and build a community where independent thought flourishes, consider becoming a paid supporter.
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