In a stunning political upset, George Galloway of the Workers Party of Britain won the parliamentary by-election on Friday for the constituency of Rochdale, defeating the Labour Party candidate and vowing to challenge Labour’s position on the Gaza crisis.
Galloway, a veteran left-wing political figure known for his outspoken views, ran on a fiercely pro-Palestinian platform that attacked both Labour and the Conservatives for their support of Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. His victory represents a blow to Labour in one of its traditional strongholds and underscores the deep divisions within Britain over policy towards Israel and Hamas.
After a chaotic campaign marred by allegations of intimidation, Galloway won over Rochdale’s large Muslim community by making Gaza the central issue rather than focusing on local concerns, as is typical in by-elections. In his victory speech, he promised to be a “thorn in the side” of the Labour Party and its leader Keir Starmer over their stance on the Gaza war.
“This is going to spark a movement, a landslide, a shifting of the tectonic plates,” Galloway declared.
Gaza Crisis Takes Center Stage
The Gaza crisis, now in its fifth month after violence flared in October 2023, took center stage in the campaign as Galloway attacked Labour for initially backing Israel following the outbreak of fighting. Over 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military operation against Hamas, according to Gaza health officials.
Galloway accused Labour of betraying the Palestinian people and promised to be a vocal advocate for Gaza in Parliament. His message resonated strongly with Rochdale’s large Muslim population, reflecting the wider divisions within Britain over policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
While Labour has since shifted its stance to call for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access to Gaza, the party was plagued by internal disagreements over its position. This prevented Labour from clearly articulating its policy during the by-election campaign.
“Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak are two cheeks of the same backside and they both got well and truly spanked tonight here in Rochdale,” Galloway said after his win.
Labour supporters acknowledged the damage caused by the party’s muddled position on Gaza.
“We regretted that we weren’t able to have a candidate,” said Labour MP Ellie Reeves, criticizing Galloway for inflaming “division and fear” over Gaza.
Implications for Labour
Galloway’s surprise victory represents a major headache for Labour leader Keir Starmer ahead of national elections expected later this year. Starmer has struggled to maintain unity within the party over its stance on the Gaza crisis, and Galloway’s presence in Parliament will now force the issue out into the open.
As the first Workers Party MP, Galloway has vowed to exploit Labour’s internal disagreements and challenge the party line on Gaza at every opportunity. This threatens to exacerbate existing tensions between Labour’s left and centrist wings.
Starmer now faces the unenviable task of articulating a clear policy on Gaza that can appease the opposing factions within his party. Failure to do so risks further electoral damage, as the Rochdale result demonstrated.
Galloway’s supporters believe his win could spark a “landslide” against Labour over its foreign policy positions. While that remains to be seen, Gaza will now take greater prominence in the national debate leading up to the general election.
For Labour, the loss of a longtime stronghold to a marginal party like Galloway’s Workers Party is also a worrying sign ahead of the national polls. It suggests Labour is vulnerable on its key issues and failing to convince some traditional supporters.
As Ellie Reeves acknowledged, the lack of a Labour candidate in Rochdale left an opening for Galloway that he exploited to the fullest. The party’s dilemma over Gaza prevented it from mounting an effective challenge.
This gives Galloway a platform to critique Labour’s policies and shift the public discussion prior to the general election. Even if Galloway himself is not reelected nationally, the damage to public perceptions of Labour over Gaza may already be done.
Rochdale Voters Seek Change
Beyond the foreign policy debates, some Rochdale voters simply sought a change in leadership for their economically deprived town.
Ranked among the most deprived local authorities in England, Rochdale suffers from high unemployment and poverty. Some residents expressed disappointment that none of the candidates made improving Rochdale’s economy and public services a priority.
“This by-election failed to offer a clear choice of someone determined to help our town,” said local resident James Wilson.
Galloway did campaign on restoring maternity services to Rochdale Infirmary, which may have boosted his appeal. But for many voters, his hardline stance against Labour on Gaza overshadowed local issues.
Turnout was low at just under 40%, suggesting voter apathy and weariness with establishment parties. Galloway successfully positioned himself as the outsider candidate prepared to shake up the status quo.
This anti-establishment mood among voters worried about economic problems and the Gaza crisis worked decisively in Galloway’s favor. But some constituents may expect him to now deliver on his promises for Rochdale itself.
Galloway’s Short-Lived Return
While Galloway’s victory sent shockwaves through British politics, his return to Parliament is likely to be short-lived.
With the next general election expected within the year, there is little time for Galloway to establish himself before he must face the voters again. He is unlikely to retain the Rochdale seat in a regular election given the overall unpopularity of fringe parties like the Workers Party nationwide.
The major parties will also be better prepared to challenge Galloway’s positions during a national campaign, having been caught off guard in the by-election.
Nonetheless, Galloway now has a platform to shape the political narrative around Gaza. This could influence public opinion going into the general election, even if Galloway himself loses his seat.
The Rochdale by-election showcased Galloway’s campaign skills. But his long-term impact will depend on whether he can turn his win into sustained momentum for his party and his foreign policy views.
For now, Labour must grapple with thorny questions over its vision on Gaza and repair the damage in constituencies like Rochdale. Meanwhile, Galloway will aim to cause maximum disruption in Parliament over an issue he single-handedly thrust into the national spotlight.
