Labour Leader Apologizes for Disowning Candidate in Rochdale By-Election
In a surprising turn of events, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has issued an apology to voters in Rochdale for disowning the party’s by-election candidate, Azhar Ali. However, he maintained that it was the right decision to withdraw support for Ali, despite the fact that George Galloway of the Workers Party of Britain emerged victorious in the contest. Galloway’s triumph has been described as Sir Keir’s “worst nightmare.”
The Rochdale by-election was triggered by the unfortunate passing of Labour MP Sir Tony Lloyd, who had held the seat with an impressive majority of nearly 10,000. With Labour initially expected to secure a win, their campaign faced a major setback when remarks made by their candidate, Azhar Ali, were published by the Daily Mail. These remarks were widely regarded as antisemitic, prompting the party to withdraw their support and instruct members to cease campaigning for Ali.
Galloway, a long-time advocate for causes related to the Middle East, including Palestinian rights, capitalized on the situation and emphasized his victory as a win for Gaza. In his victory speech, he did not hold back in criticizing both Sir Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, referring to them as “two cheeks of the same backside” who had been soundly defeated in Rochdale.
Independent candidate David Tully, a local businessman, emerged as a surprise second-place finisher, surpassing the Conservative Party who came in third. Tully’s success can be attributed to his appeal to voters who feel disillusioned with mainstream politics and parties. He expressed his belief that nothing ever really changes with these established entities and managed to capture the attention of those who typically do not participate in elections.
The Israel-Gaza conflict played a significant role in the by-election, with Galloway reminding voters that while the people of Gaza do not have a vote, they do. This issue has caused division within the Labour Party, with some members resigning from their positions in order to vote for an immediate ceasefire. Political pollster Sir John Curtice believes that the Rochdale result will increase pressure on Sir Keir to adopt a tougher stance on Israel, although he does not anticipate a substantial impact on the general election outcome.
It is worth noting that Reform UK has performed well in recent by-elections, securing third place in both Wellingborough and Kingswood. However, their candidate in Rochdale, Simon Danczuk, the town’s former Labour MP, was unable to replicate this success and finished in sixth place.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism expressed extreme concern over Galloway’s victory, citing his history of baiting the Jewish community. They highlighted his previous call for Bradford, where he was an MP, to be declared an “Israel-free zone.” This organization’s concerns reflect the ongoing struggle to combat antisemitism in politics.
Looking ahead, Sir Keir Starmer has promised to present a “first-class candidate” who can unify the party for the upcoming general election. The Rochdale by-election has undoubtedly shaken the political landscape, leaving Labour to reassess its strategy and regain lost ground. As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how these events will shape the future of politics in Rochdale and beyond.