George Galloway’s Holborn by-election campaign has ignited sharp criticism from the Labour Party. Labour officials are questioning the veteran politician’s commitment as he seeks to become an MP for the North London seat while currently in South Africa.
Liam Conlon MP, Labour’s political lead for the by-election campaign, strongly condemned Mr. Galloway’s actions. He stated that Mr. Galloway is primarily using this contest for his own gain. Furthermore, he noted Mr. Galloway’s long history of divisive campaigns but a lack of tangible results for Camden residents. Conlon emphasized, “He isn’t even in the country.”
Mr. Conlon also championed Labour’s candidate, Sagal Abdi-Wali. He highlighted her extensive dedication to Camden over many decades, including her work as a community activist, a school governor, and now as Leader of Camden Council. Conlon stressed that voters deserve a candidate with proven local commitment.
Meanwhile, other political figures have also weighed in. Baroness Jenny Jones, a senior Green parliamentarian, dismissed Mr. Galloway as a mere “glory seeker.” She believes he primarily seeks attention. Although she expects he might slightly confuse the voting process, she does not anticipate a significant impact on the overall result.
Mr. Galloway’s decision to enter the contest is a potential setback for Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who is also standing in the seat. This move could potentially fragment the Left-leaning, anti-Labour vote. However, Mr. Galloway has also faced internal party dissent.
His own Workers Party of Britain (WPB) deputy leader, Chris Williamson, resigned over his entry into the by-election. Responding to Baroness Jones’s critique, a WPB spokesperson argued she was unqualified to comment on Westminster voting, given her unelected position in the Lords. The WPB, upon announcing Mr. Galloway’s candidacy, presented itself as a “genuine socialist alternative.”
The party criticized both Labour and the Greens for supporting aid to Ukraine. Instead, it advocated for a focus on “bread-and-butter issues” impacting ordinary people. Mr. Galloway, aged 72, is currently on a speaking tour in South Africa, with engagements scheduled until October 4. Polling for the by-election in Camden is set for just four days later, on October 8.
His current address is listed within the Dumfries & Galloway constituency in Scotland. However, he is believed to have been living in Moscow for the past year. This followed a detention with his wife at Gatwick Airport by counter-terrorism police, though neither was arrested. A WPB spokesman confirmed this detention, stating they were released after nine hours.
The WPB now awaits confirmation from either the Home Office or police. This confirmation is needed to ensure he is “free to carry on with political campaigning” locally. Until then, his on-the-ground presence for the Galloway Holborn by-election remains uncertain. Labour’s candidate, Ms. Abdi-Wali, remains the clear favourite to win the seat, which became vacant after Sir Keir Starmer stepped down as the local MP.
