In a surprise victory, former MP George Galloway has won the by-election in Rochdale and will be returning to the British Parliament. Galloway, who previously served as the MP for Bethnal Green and Bow and Bradford West, hailed his win as a triumph “for Gaza” and criticized incumbent Labour leader Keir Starmer.
The by-election was triggered by the death of Labour lawmaker Tony Lloyd, and Galloway’s campaign focused heavily on appealing to Muslim voters and highlighting the Israel-Hamas conflict. Galloway defeated former Labour lawmaker Simon Danczuk, who had been seen as the favorite in the race.
Labour faced setbacks in the by-election, disavowing candidate Azhar Ali for offensive remarks regarding Israel. The party acknowledged its failure in Rochdale and described Galloway as a divisive figure with a controversial past.
Galloway, known for his anti-Israel position and past support of Saddam Hussein, expressed his hopes to replicate the success of the Workers Party of Britain around the country. His media career includes working with state-run networks from Russia and Iran, and he has been involved in various controversies over the years, including a memorable appearance on Celebrity Big Brother in 2006.
Despite his controversial reputation, Galloway’s victory in Rochdale marks a significant return to the political stage. It remains to be seen how his presence in Parliament will impact national politics and the ongoing debate surrounding issues such as foreign policy and Middle East relations.
