In a surprising twist of fate, George Galloway emerged victorious in the Rochdale by-election, securing a substantial majority of nearly 6,000 votes over his closest competitor, an independent who only entered politics four weeks ago.
The former Labour MP, now representing the Workers Party of Britain, used his victory speech to deliver a pointed message to Keir Starmer, stating, “Keir Starmer – this is for Gaza.” The result has shocked major parties (who between them secured 26.7% of the vote) as local electors voted for alternative parties. This unexpected win follows Labour’s decision to withdraw support for their initial candidate, Cllr Azhar Ali, over allegations of antisemitic remarks. Despite Ali’s apology, the damage was done, propelling Galloway into the political spotlight in Rochdale.
Labour’s Regret and Apology
In the aftermath of the by-election, Labour faces introspection and regret. Labour Campaign Co-ordinator and sister of the Shadow Chancellor, Ellie Reeves acknowledged the party’s missteps and issued a public apology to the people of Rochdale. Reeves expressed her belief that Galloway’s victory could have been averted had Labour chosen to run a candidate. Despite the unprecedented decision not to field a contender, Reeves defended it as the “right decision” given the circumstances surrounding Ali’s disownment by the party.
This apology raises questions about Labour’s strategic decisions and the potential ramifications of not actively participating in the electoral process.
One senior Labour Party figure questioned “which idiot” made the decision to run a snap by-election so soon after the sad death of veteran Labour MP, Sir Tony Lloyd.
Interpreting the Message: A Mood for Change
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, Tony Blair’s former director of political operations, John McTernan, interpreted the Rochdale result as a clear message indicating a “mood for change” in the country.
“Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak are two cheeks of the same backside, and they both got well and truly spanked tonight here in Rochdale.” George Galloway, MP for Rochdale
However, he raised a critical question – can Labour be the change people are seeking? McTernan criticises Labour’s rushed candidate selection, attributing it to countering the momentum of George Galloway’s campaign. This perspective underscores the need for Labour to take the outcome seriously and re-evaluate its strategies in response to the changing political landscape.
Rochdale’s Unique Dynamics: George Galloway A Challenge to Mainstream Politics
The Rochdale by-election showcased the rise of smaller parties, with George Galloway leading the charge. Galloway’s success emphasises the local voters’ rejection of the two main parties in Westminster.
In his victory speech, he boldly proclaimed, “Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak are two cheeks of the same backside, and they both got well and truly spanked tonight here in Rochdale.” The result highlights the dissatisfaction among voters with mainstream politics and indicates a yearning for alternative voices to be heard.
Pressure on Policy: Gaza Ceasefire and Labour’s Stance
Political pollster, Sir John Curtice noted a significant drop in the Conservative vote and the largest decline in a Labour-held seat during this parliamentary term. Despite Galloway’s emphasis on the Israel-Gaza conflict, Curtice suggests that Labour’s position on this policy may not become a major vulnerability in the general election.
However, he highlighted the pressure on Starmer to fortify Labour’s stance on Israel in response to Galloway’s victory. This raises questions about the delicate balance between responding to local sentiments and maintaining a coherent national policy.
Final Thought: Navigating the Winds of Change
Rochdale’s by-election outcome serves as a wake-up call for Labour and mainstream politics.
George Galloway’s triumph signals a desire for change among voters, challenging the traditional dominance of established parties. Labour’s regret and apology for not fielding a candidate highlight the strategic missteps that can have profound consequences. As the political landscape continues to evolve, parties must carefully navigate the winds of change, addressing local concerns without compromising their broader policy coherence.
It is worrying that accusations of antisemitism and islamophobia continue. The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) has issued serious concerns about the election of Galloway to Parliament. They highlight his remarks made in Bradford – where he was an MP at the time – saying the city was an “Israel-free zone” in a speech in 2014.
The Rochdale result underscores the need for adaptability and responsiveness in an era where smaller parties and independent voices are gaining traction. The journey ahead for Labour involves not just self-reflection but also strategic recalibration to effectively address the shifting dynamics of contemporary politics.
