The new MP for Rochdale George Galloway has put out a call to anyone interested in “smashing” Sir Keir Starmer’s “war party” across the north west.
The former Labour politician, who romped to victory earlier this week in the Rochdale by-election, said that he was willing to meet with those keen to take on Sir Keir’s party in Oldham, Bury, Blackburn, Bolton and Manchester.
In a post on X he said: “In the next few weeks I will meet anyone interested in smashing #Starmer’s War Party in #Oldham #Bolton #Blackburn #Bury and #Manchester. Let me know if interested”.
The social media post indicates that the Workers Party leader is targeting seats in the north west of England in the upcoming General Election.
Mr Galloway was yesterday attacked by the prime minister. Rishi Sunak branded the arch-Israel critic’s by-election win “horrifying”.
His comments came in response to 69-year-old’s campaign messaging, which was centred on the war in the Middle East ahead of local issues in Gaza.
The now seven-time parliamentarian was accused of having a divisive strategy and cynically appealing to the area’s Muslim population. According to the 2021 census, 18.8 percent of Rochdale identifies as Muslim.
His campaign posters, which were the same colours as the Palestinian flag, carried the message: “This election is a straight choice between George who will fight for Palestine and the people of Rochdale – and Keir Starmer who will fight for Israel”.
Another poster simply said: “Vote George Galloway. Free Palestine.”
Rishi Sunak spoke outside Downing Street in the wake of Mr Galloway’s by-election triumph, saying that the Scot had dismissed “the horror of what happened on October 7” and “glorifies Hezbollah”.
Hitting back at the PM’s comments, Mr Galloway told Sky News’ Sam Coates that he “despises” Mr Sunak.
He told the journalist live on television: “I despise the Prime Minister. And guess what? Millions and millions and millions of people in this country despise the Prime Minister.
“I do not respect the Prime Minister at all.”
Today, thousands of people across the country are marching for a ceasefire in Gaza. It has been reported that 1000 people marched through the streets of Birmingham.
Meanwhile in the capital multiple separate groups pro-Palestinian protesters walked through the city.
Some gathered in Parliament Square, where police had to protect the Winston Churchill statue and the Cenotaph.
