George Galloway celebrates Bradford West victory
Humiliating the mainstream Labour, George Galloway of the Respect Party scored a dramatic victory in the Bradford West by-election last night, securing 10000-over majority.
“By the grace of God, we have won the most sensational victory in British political history,” claimed George Galloway, delighted after beating Labour.
“Labour has been hit by a tidal wave in a seat they have held for many decades and dominated for 100 years. I have won a big victory in every part of the constituency, including in areas many people said I should not even compete,” the ex-Labour MP added.
“I am here for the long term,” said Galloway, unlike 2005, when he said he only intended to serve one term. Galloway received 55.89% of the vote with 18,341, while Imran Hussain of Labour secured 24.99 % with 8,201 votes. Conservative’s Jackie Whiteley received only 8.37% share with 2,746 votes.
The election result is a blow for the initial favourites in the contest, Labour, who have a stronghold on West Bradford since 1983. Labour entered the by-election after the resignation of Labour MP Marsha Singh, on the account of ill health.
In 2010 election, Labour won a majority of 5,763, making this mid-term reverse the first for an Opposition since May 2000 when Tories lost Romsey to the Liberal Democrats. Expressing disappointment at the results, Labour MP Toby Perkins said the party was not expecting such results.
He attributed Respect’s victory to Galloway’s appearance on Celebrity Big Brother in 2006. However, he agreed that Labour must learn the way Galloway recaptured the mood of the electorate.
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