Did Tom Watson do a dab dance move in the Commons? Footage shows Labour deputy leader nodding suspiciously at PMQs

  • Tom Watson caught on camera appearing to perform a 'dab' in Parliament
  • He seemed to do the 'victory dance' after Jeremy Corbyn criticised Theresa May
  • Many on Twitter have taken aim at Labour's deputy leader over the incident
  • Some claim it was 'unprofessional' and shows Labour is not 'serious opposition'
  • Speaking later Mr Watson said he may have 'inadvertently' done the move 

By JOSEPH CURTIS FOR MAILONLINE

Published: | Updated:

Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson caused a stir at Prime Minister's Questions after appearing to do a 'dab' dance in Parliament.

The 50-year-old was caught on camera performing what looked like the popular celebration after party leader Jeremy Corbyn aimed a barb at Theresa May.

It has sent social media into overdrive with many criticising the West Bromwich East MP over the gesture, claiming he was not taking his role seriously.

Labour deputy leader Tom Watson caused controversy in Parliament today when he appeared to do a 'dab' dance during Prime Minister's Questions

Labour deputy leader Tom Watson caused controversy in Parliament today when he appeared to do a 'dab' dance during Prime Minister's Questions

Mr Watson, pictured, later said he may have 'inadvertently' performed the move after recently learning it from his children

Mr Watson, pictured, later said he may have 'inadvertently' performed the move after recently learning it from his children

It came after Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, pictured, aimed a barb at Theresa May over social care for the elderly

It came after Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, pictured, aimed a barb at Theresa May over social care for the elderly

Mr Watson was sitting in his usual front bench position when Jeremy Corbyn asked the Prime Minister about social care for the elderly.

The Labour leader said: 'It seems to me that some members don't want to be concerned about the fact that there are 1.2million elderly people not getting the care that they need.

'The legacy of her government will be blighting our NHS for decades - fewer hospitals, fewer A&E deptartments, fewer nurses, and fewer people getting the care they need.

'We need a government that puts the NHS first and will invest in our NHS.'

As Mr Corbyn sat down, Mr Watson seemed to nod his head and move both arms to the left in an apparent 'victory dance'.

But many on Twitter did not see the funny side and accused Mr Watson of being 'unprofessional'

But many on Twitter did not see the funny side and accused Mr Watson of being 'unprofessional'

Others took aim at Labour and its priorities, mocking Mr Watson for being 'down with the kids'

Others took aim at Labour and its priorities, mocking Mr Watson for being 'down with the kids'

The move has become popular among sport stars including Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba who has performed dabs after scoring goals. 

But many on social media failed to see the funny side and claimed the incident was 'unprofessional'.

Others took aim at Labour's priorities and questioned whether they were a serious party.

Adam Hayer tweeted: 'As if Labour didn't look unprofessional enough already, Tom Watson decides to start dabbing at #PMQs.'

@malachyok added: 'The nhs (sic) has been dismantled!! We are completely ineffective over Brexit!!! But i am down with the kids so its lit!!'

Others questioned whether Labour could consider itself 'serious opposition' to the Government

Others questioned whether Labour could consider itself 'serious opposition' to the Government

But some made light of the incident and compared it to the recent controversy over Sutton United reserve goalkeeper eating a pie during the BBC broadcast of the FA cup tie against Arsenal

But some made light of the incident and compared it to the recent controversy over Sutton United reserve goalkeeper eating a pie during the BBC broadcast of the FA cup tie against Arsenal

A user called Mr Max added: 'Tells you how unserious this party is in actually being a strong opposition to the governments undemocratic beliefs.'

Some did see the lighter side and said the incident was hilarious, while others compared the incident to the recent controversy over Sutton United reserve goalkeeper Wayne Shaw eating a pie on the bench during the BBC broadcast of the match against Arsenal, a move that forced him to resign amid an investigation by the Gambling Commission and the FA.

Ben Baxendale tweeted: 'Jeremy Corbyn wins a tidy £700 after winning 8/1 odds on Tom Watson dabbing during PMQs.'

Mr Watson told reporters that he may have 'inadvertently' performed the move after recently learning it from his children.

He told the Huffington Post: 'Did I do a dab? I’ve been doing them with my kids in the holidays so I may have inadvertently done one.' 

WHAT IS THE DAB? 

The dab is a dance move where a person drops their head into their elbow while simultaneously raising their arms to point in one direction.

The gesture has been said to resemble sneezing and has become popular in the past few years.

Its origins are unclear, with several hip-hop artists in Atlanta claiming to be behind the move.

More recently it has become popular with children due to sports stars including Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba and American Football star Cam Newton performing the dab as a victory dance.

Mr Watson is not the first politician to perform the move, with former Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton doing a dab on the Ellen DeGeneres show in January 2016. 

Prince Harry even got in on the action last year, performing the popular dance move with children in Scotland in September.

He hit the dab again in November in Antigua as part of his 15-day tour of the Caribbean.

And eyebrows were raised when son of US politician Roger Marshall performed the dab as his father was sworn into Congress - much to the bafflement of Republican house speaker Paul Ryan. 

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