While UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak openly regretted George Galloway’s recent triumphant entry to the House of Commons, marking it as extremely concerning, he is likely to be secretly unperturbed. Galloway’s win in the Rochdale byelection was a blow to Labour, snatching a seat from their grasp, and causing greater concerns for Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer than for Sunak himself.
Galloway’s victory means that one of Starmer’s most conspicuous political vulnerabilities – the accusations of civilian killings in Israel’s Gaza strip and the resultant public outrage – will continue to be a prominent topic in UK’s political discussions. Uncomfortable questions and discussions are expected to be raised in the Commons by the Scottish National Party and the SDLP, a situation that Starmer will find difficult to navigate while trying to appease angry Labour-supporting Muslims without welcoming those charged with anti-Semitism who blighted the party during Jeremy Corbyn’s era.
Galloway, with his public appeal, charisma, and his history as an ex-Labour member now hunting Labour seats, is equipped to command attention from the Westminster media, constantly needing fresh narratives. He has embraced his role as Starmer’s primary antagonist as of late, highlighting the significant role Muslims will play in upcoming elections while being sworn in as an MP.
Sunak’s recent speech at Downing Street, highlighting the threat extremist factions pose to Britain, was interpreted by many as a veiled acknowledgement of pro-Palestinian demonstrators traversing through London. Galloway interpreted this as Sunak selecting Britain’s apprehensions towards angry Muslim populace as a campaign tool for upcoming elections. He suggested that Sunak might try to present himself as a robust leader willing to confront extremists by restricting protests, compared to Starman who may be viewed as weak and unable to take equivalent steps due to the influence of remaining anti-Semitic followers within his party.
If Sunak goes down this potential path, Starmer will have to deftly choose between supporting the civil liberties of Muslims and pro-Palestinian supporters expressing their condemnation of Israel through protests in the UK, or aligning himself with Sunak’s resistance to protests and risking further estranging himself from Labour followers. This would necessitate a strategic, yet possibly effective, approach if navigated skillfully.
Galloway has declared his intention to challenge the Labour Party from all possible quarters, even suggesting a contender for Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner’s seat in Ashton-under-Lyne, a location in the vicinity of Manchester. “Such a tactic would favour Rishi Sunak,” claimed Galloway.
Still, another plausible scenario exists. Although Galloway stands a chance of pushing a contentious topic into the media spotlight, it’s doubtful whether he can muster sufficient reputable candidates across enough districts to genuinely unsettle Labour. After all, Galloway predominantly operates solo.
This conundrum is the driving force behind Galloway’s appeal to Corbyn, former Labour leader, to form a strategic partnership for forth-coming elections. The goal being to nurture candidates united in their commitment to anti-war agendas and socialist principles. Although Galloway may have oratory prowess, Corbyn wields more influence.
The likelihood of this partnership materialising seems slim, though. Reports suggested that Corbyn would accompany Galloway for his introduction to the speaker by two current MPs. However, the former Labour leader’s absence hinted at his apprehensive stance towards aligning too closely with the polarising figure that is Galloway.
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