George Galloway secures resounding win in Rochdale by-election with Gaza at the forefront

London (Quds News Network) – In a remarkable comeback, George Galloway has triumphed in the Rochdale by-election, securing a significant victory for the Workers Party of Britain.

The former Labour MP clinched 12,335 votes, almost 6,000 more than any other candidate, making a powerful statement on the campaign trail with the Israeli aggression on Gaza as a central theme.

Following a controversy surrounding alleged antisemitic remarks by Labour’s initial candidate, Azhar Ali, Galloway capitalized on the situation, emphasizing the need for change and expressing solidarity with Gaza.

In his victory speech, he sharply criticized Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak, characterizing them as two sides of the same coin and claiming a rejection by Rochdale voters of mainstream political parties.

Galloway, who previously served as an MP for Labour and later as an independent and Respect Party MP, pledged to be a formidable force in future elections, pointing to the Workers Party’s growing influence.

He warned that Labour would “pay a high price” for its stance on Gaza, signaling a potential shift in political dynamics.

The by-election results showcased a surge in support for smaller parties, with independent candidate Dave Tully securing second place. Tully, a local businessman, campaigned on local issues and garnered 6,638 votes.

Amid heckling and confetti-throwing incidents during his victory speech, Galloway remained undeterred, underlining the rejection of mainstream parties and promising to save the town’s football club from “extinction.”

The Conservative candidate, Paul Ellison, came in third with 3,731 votes, while the Reform Party’s Simon Danczuk, a former Labour MP for Rochdale, fell to sixth place. Galloway’s victory demonstrated a historic 41% swing against Labour, attributed to the Workers Party’s absence in the 2019 general election.

Galloway’s win has sparked concerns, particularly from the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA), citing his past controversial statements. The victory also raises questions about the broader impact on UK politics and Labour’s stance on Israel, as veteran pollster Sir John Curtice suggests growing pressure on Keir Starmer to strengthen the party’s position.

As Galloway celebrates his historic win, the Rochdale by-election outcome may reverberate beyond the constituency, signaling potential shifts in political dynamics and emphasizing the electorate’s demand for change.