Graham Matthews, Sydney
"Blair was elected on 36% of the vote, with a voter turnout of just 61%, giving him the support of just 22% of the voting population", began David Golan, introducing his report on George Galloway's electoral breakthrough for the Respect anti-war electoral coalition in the May 5 British general election. Golan was speaking at a May 25 forum of 40 people organised by the Socialist Alliance.
Golan, who worked on Galloway's election campaign, described it as a rallying point for all those dissenting against eight years of Blairism, with Galloway's victory the first victory to the left of Labour in the House of Commons since 1945.
Commenting on Galloway's address to a US Senate committee after his election, Golan indicated that the anti-war MP had received 11,000 emails from well-wishers. Respect had also received applications for membership from individuals in various US states.
Golan recounted the scare tactics that the Labour Party had used against Galloway, including claiming that Respect only supported Muslims and that unseating a sitting Labour member would deprive the voters of a voice in government.
He also noted the ongoing crisis of Labourism as a contributing factor to Galloway's success. "Galloway represented the left of Labour", Golan said. "His expulsion [in 2003] sent shockwaves through Labour."
Golan was derisive of the British Green Party, which stood a candidate against Galloway, while arguing that there were still possibilities for collaboration between Respect and the Greens.
The radicalising effect of the campaign against the Iraq war, the growth of the "anti-capitalist" movement and the steady move to the left of many unions were also contributing factors to Galloway's election, Golan said.
"The victory of Respect will give confidence to the Stop the War Coalition and the anti-war movement", Golan concluded.
From Green Left Weekly, June 1, 2005.
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