Tom Watson to publish debut novel The House – about ‘cold-blooded ambition and betrayal’ in Parliament

Former deputy Labour leader said his book will introduce readers to ‘the heroes and villains engaged in a struggle for fame, power and revenge’

Sphere Books, an imprint of publisher Little Brown UK, has announced it will publish the fiction debut of former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson.

The book has been hailed by publishing director Ed Wood as “the political thriller of a generation”. It was co-written by author Imogen Robertson and will be released in Autumn 2020.

“Tom Watson is one of the most significant, influential and deep-thinking politicians in this country,” Wood said in a statement via The Bookseller. “His insights into the workings of politicians’ minds and Parliament are eye-opening, dramatic and sometimes almost unbelievable, and his and Imogen’s story is one that will hold an iron grip on readers and undoubtedly generate headlines.”

In a statement, Watson said: “My first novel with Imogen will explore the themes that lubricate our political system: ambition and failure, trust and betrayal. In a world where virtue is seen as a rare commodity, The House will introduce you to the heroes and villains engaged in a struggle for fame, power and revenge.”

The House follows the release of Watson’s non-fiction book Downsizing, about weight-loss and health.

Watson stepped down as Labour’s deputy leader and as an MP in November last year; the move sparked a renewed debate about the party’s direction under Jeremy Corbyn, with whom Watson had repeatedly clashed. He had represented the consistency of West Bromwich East since 2001.