Galloway to stand against Speaker Martin?

Post by **faceless** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 2:38 pm

[align=center]George Galloway ready to take on Commons Speaker
Mark Aitken
Sunday Mail
Dec 21 2008 [/align]
MAVERICK MP George Galloway could break centuries of protocol in a bid to oust Commons Speaker Michael Martin. Galloway is furious that Martin has not quit over his failure to keep police probing Tory Damian Green out of the Commons and he is considering standing against him in Glasgow North East at the next general election - breaking the convention that the Speaker is elected unopposed.

Galloway, who represents London's Bethnal Green and Bow for his own Respect party, said: "People have been approaching me about it and it is wise in politics never to say never. Speculation is exaggerated, which means it isn't ruled out and isn't ruled in. "I was a Glasgow MP for almost 20 years. I miss Glasgow a lot and if I was to do this that would be one of the attractions."

Galloway, who was expelled from Labour over his anti-war views, has been a strong supporter of Martin, accusing MPs who call the Speaker "Gorbals Mick" of snobbery. But he believes Martin, who has indicated he wants a third term as Speaker, is beyond saving over his handling of the Green affair.

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There's always these rumours about where and what Galloway will do next, but I can't see him taking this one on really.

mickyv · Post by **mickyv** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 4:26 pm

I think I heard him say last night that he misses Glasgow; was that a hint !?

Brown Sauce · Post by **Brown Sauce** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 6:15 pm

would George win ?

Post by **faceless** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 7:15 pm

I'm not sure how it would go, Springburn is one of Glasgow's oldest and poorest areas, but the area's changing and while the old Labour attitude there is strong I can't see anyone other than the SNP taking it.

Here are the results from the 2005 election.

Michael Martin, Labour 53.3%
John McLaughlin, Scottish National Party 17.7%
Doris Kelly, Socialist Labour 14.2%
Graham Campbell, Scottish Socialist Party 4.9%
Daniel Houston, Scottish Unionist 4.5%
Scott McLean, British National Party 3.2%
Joe Chambers, Independent 2.2%

cobweb · Post by **cobweb** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 7:33 pm

While I don't doubt for a minute GG charisma and support in Glasgow I think he would be on a beaten docket should he choose to stand in Springburn, or Glasgow NE for those not familiar with the area.

I am assuming that faceless perhaps means that he when says "can't see anyone other than the SNP taking it" that it's between them and Labour because I would say that this is a very safe Labour seat.

But who knows...many would have said that about the Glasgow East by election.