George Galloway wins Rochdale by-election by nearly 6,000 votes

George Galloway – the former Labour MP, has won the Rochdale by-election by almost 6,000 votes. 

The Workers Party of Britain candidate’s campaign heavily focuses on Gaza. He has overturned a Labour majority with 12,335 votes.

In his victory speech, Galloway told the Labour leader: “Keir Starmer, this is for Gaza.” 

But Labour responded, saying “Galloway only won because Labour did not stand” and apologises to the people of Rochdale for being unable to field a candidate. 

In second place, David Tully – an independent – secured 6,638 votes. The Conservatives came in third with 12.0% and Labour fourth with 7.0% (but Labour withdrew its support for their candidate over comments he made that were deemed antisemitic). 

Voters went to the polls on Thursday to choose a new MP to represent the Greater Manchester town following the death of Sir Tony Lloyd last month.

Eleven candidates contested the by-election and the result highlights the rejection of the major parties, with Labour, Conservatives and Lib Dems all performing poorly.