George Galloway launches campaign against local MP Tom Watson in Dudley

Over 100 people turned up to hear George Galloway speak at Dudley Town Hall, as part of his campaign to oust Deputy Leader of the Labour party Tom Watson, MP for West Bromwich.

As expected, the veteran left-wing politician entertained the crowd, telling the audience: “Tom Watson has done more for Israel than he has done for West Bromwich”, adding “We are going to give Tom Watson a run for his money!”

However, when questioned on his relationship with Nigel Farage and Brexit, Galloway talked about a return to Britain being an industrial powerhouse, welcoming migrants from the commonwealth.

Galloway was strong on international politics but short on local issues, and so it appears too early to say whether Watson should be running scared in all fairness.

Having last month announced his bid to unseat Labour deputy leader Tom Watson at the next general election, a crowd-funding website set up by Galloway raised more than £5,000 in 24 hours; and currently sits at over £14,500.

Former MP Galloway has previously represented the Labour Party and the Respect Party in Parliament, and is currently campaigning as an independent candidate. The controversial figure has also recently backed Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party and, in May, met with and hugged far-right figure and former Donald Trump strategist Steve Bannon in Kazakhstan.