Rochdale By-election - a weak response from Labour?
Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2024 6:06 pm
What should Labour do about Azhar Ali? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-68272820
Whilst Labour has come a long way since the days of Corbyn when it comes to antisemitism I do think the response to Ali's comments has been weak. I know Labour can't take him off the ballot now given deadlines, but to my mind they should stop campaigning for him and make it clear that he'll lose the whip if he wins and won't be selected at the next General Election.
It might risk Galloway getting in, but it would only be a few months until the next election where they can find a decent candidate and win it back.
Whilst Labour has come a long way since the days of Corbyn when it comes to antisemitism I do think the response to Ali's comments has been weak. I know Labour can't take him off the ballot now given deadlines, but to my mind they should stop campaigning for him and make it clear that he'll lose the whip if he wins and won't be selected at the next General Election.
It might risk Galloway getting in, but it would only be a few months until the next election where they can find a decent candidate and win it back.