Galloway to stand for London Assembly

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Galloway goes for a seat on London Assembly

EXCLUSIVE By Ted Jeory and Michael Parker
ted.jeory@archant.co.uk
23 January 2008

LEFT-wing MP George Galloway is to run for election to the London Assembly, the Advertiser can reveal. But he won't stand as a candidate for his Respect party.

Galloway has decided to run in May's City Hall polls to be one of the 11 pan-London members of the 25-seat assembly. He needs just five per cent of the cross-London vote to take a seat at City Hall and pit his wits against the likes of Labour's John Biggs, Tory Brain Coleman and Labour's London mayor Ken Livingstone... if they retain their seats in May.

But the current split inside Respect and blazing rows over who can use the organisation's name has meant the Bethnal Green and Bow MP will be standing for a new Left anti-war collective. The group which is hoping to attract prominent Left wingers will be registered as an official party under a new name, suggesting the possible end of Respect.

Sources close to Galloway have told the Advertiser that the new party will be "more radical" than any other outfit currently on the London Assembly. It will campaign on an anti-privatisation, anti-Islamophobia and pro-trade unionist platform, while raising concerns about London's 2012 Olympics.

Galloway's decision is expected to be formally ratified and announced next month.

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Well that pretty much wraps up Respect.

[MWalk]

Should be an easy win. Five percent? Walk in the fucking park.

[faceless]

that was a fucking great first post.

[Salim201]

lol yep gotta agree great first post

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I wonder they asked John Rees what he thought?

[nekokate]

Does this mean Jim Fitzpatrick can start un-shitting his pants?

[faceless]

it says he still plans to stand against him, but I'm guessing that could only happen if he doesn't get on the London Assembly