George Galloway has set his sights on key Labour seats in the upcoming general election following his victory in the Rochdale by-election for the far-left Workers Party of Britain.
Galloway, a former MP for Labour and Respect parties, secured a comfortable win in the previously Labour-safe seat, garnering 12,335 votes and a majority of 5,697.
The by-election was triggered by the death of veteran Labour MP Tony Lloyd in January. Taking his seat in the House of Commons on Monday, Galloway pledged allegiance to King Charles, expressing his intention to challenge Labour’s stronghold in upcoming elections.
He emphasized the issue of the conflict in Gaza during his campaign and indicated that the next election would focus on the Muslim community.
Galloway stated that his party would specifically target Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner’s seat in Ashton-under-Lyne, which has a large Muslim population, citing significant support for his views in the constituency. Although he felt welcomed by parliamentary staff, Galloway noted a lack of reception from MPs.
He warned of a “very dangerous crossroads” for the country, likening the current situation to the perilous times of 1940 and 1941, with a lack of leadership comparable to Mr. Churchill. Galloway highlighted the issue of poverty, particularly child poverty, in Rochdale and across the country.
In the House of Commons, Galloway was introduced by Father of the House Peter Bottomley and Neale Hanvey, Alba Party MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was expected to introduce Galloway, was engaged in a long-planned visit to a community garden in Islington North, supporting individuals with disabilities and mental illness.
