George delivers: Landslide in Rochdale

338 words, 2 minutes read time.

George Galloway has secured a landslide victory in the Rochdale by-election, marking his return to Parliament. His campaign cantered around the Gaza conflict, and he garnered 12,335 votes, nearly 6,000 more than any other candidate. This win is particularly remarkable because it represents the third time he has unseated his former party (Labour) in elections.

Here are some key points about George Galloway’s victory:

Campaign Theme: Galloway urged voters to lodge “the ultimate protest” over the Gaza conflict, positioning the election as a referendum on Gaza.

Labour’s Disarray: Labour’s campaign faced turmoil when its candidate, Azhar Ali, made “inflammatory” anti-Israel comments. The party eventually disowned Ali and abandoned its campaign, leaving Galloway with a clear path.

Muslim Support: Galloway’s team effectively captured the vote of a significant number of Muslim residents in Rochdale (about 30% of the population), who were dissatisfied with Labour’s stance on Gaza. It should be noted, however, that many non-Muslims supported Galloway on Gaza and other issues.

Previous Victories: Galloway previously unseated his former party in Bethnal Green and Bow in 2005 and Bradford West in 2012, both campaigns heavily influenced by events in the Middle East.

His win has certainly caused a shift in the political landscape, and he will now represent his fourth constituency in 37 years.

Third Way, as a political group advocating for unity and common ground, actively encouraged voters from all backgrounds to support George Galloway. They highlighted that Galloway’s policy platform had the potential to benefit everyone in Rochdale. Moreover, they emphasized that he was a candidate capable of bridging divides and uniting the diverse population of the constituency. By urging a vote for Galloway, Third Way aimed to foster cooperation and inclusivity, emphasising that his victory would be a win for all residents of Rochdale. We hope that in some small way we helped George and all the good people of Rochdale win.

By Pat Harrington

Picture credit: By David Hunt from Warwickshire, UK – Stop The War – 09 – George Galloway, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=144593400