Former Labour left-winger George Galloway scored a dramatic victory in the Bradford West byelection for the Respect party early yesterday, securing a 10,000-plus majority in what he called a “massive rejection” of mainstream parties.
Respect swept from fifth place at the 2010 general election to a commanding win on a swing of 36.59 per cent.
It was “the most sensational result in British byelection history bar none”, Mr Galloway said after being declared the victor with well over half the total votes.
The reverse is a serious blow for Labour, which started polling day as overwhelming favourite to retain the seat. Mr Galloway won 18,341 votes to the 8,201 for Labour candidate Imran Hussain. – (PA)