There is one politician, however, who is clearly enjoying conference and that’s Watson. Watson allies are delighted with how this whole affair has turned out. ‘They are the ones who are crumbling,’ says a Labour figure of the Corbynistas. ‘They can’t come at him again for a while’. Meanwhile, Labour members report of frenzied scenes when ever Watson enters a room. ‘He’s being high-fived and clapped. I’ve never witnessed him being so popular,’ says one bemused attendee. Watson received a standing ovation at the Progress rally – before and after he spoke.