UK election dynamics shift amid Gaza war focus: Politico
2 Min Read
In Bradford West, Labour MP Naz Shah, a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, is facing a formidable re-election campaign amid accusations of wavering party support for Gaza.
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Naz Shah addressing the House of Commons on November 15, 2023 (screengrab)
Politico reported on Wednesday that the ongoing war on Gaza is exerting significant influence on the dynamics of the UK's electoral landscape, particularly within the Labour Party.
The report details how the issue has become a focal point in several constituencies, shaping voter sentiments and challenging party unity.
In Bradford West, Labour MP Naz Shah, a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, is facing a formidable re-election campaign amid accusations of wavering party support for Gaza.
Shah, who secured a commanding 76.2 percent of the vote in the last election, now confronts protests and scrutiny from within her traditionally supportive Muslim community.
Zionist candidates who stand with Israel are facing backlash for their complicity in the slaughter of innocent children. @Keir_Starmer can try backtracking all he wants, but there's no way we're going to forget!
— Save Our Citizenships 🔻 (@LetsStopC9) June 14, 2024
Here’s Naz Shah, MP for Bradford West:pic.twitter.com/IQ6vECgRM7
The controversy extends beyond Shah's constituency, resonating in Labour strongholds like Bristol Central, where discontent over the party's stance on Gaza has bolstered support for alternative candidates, including the Green Party.
This shift reflects broader tensions within Labour under Keir Starmer's leadership and the challenge of finding common ground between international solidarity and domestic political realities.
Read more: Ex-UK PM, in first appearance, takes jab at Starmer, disdains Sunak
On March 1, former Labour MP George Galloway secured the position of lawmaker for the English town of Rochdale.
Galloway secured an impressive victory with 12,335 votes - 39.7% of the total - surpassing predictions and establishing a significant 5,697-vote majority.
He surpassed the second-placed independent candidate David Tully, while the former Labour candidate, Azhar Ali, came in fourth after losing support from the opposition party over accusations against "Israel".
"[Labout Party leader] Keir Starmer, this is for Gaza," he said in his victory speech. During his campaign, Galloway criticized both Labour and the Conservatives for their support of the Israeli occupation entity in its war on Gaza.
