Two MPs in talks to join George Galloway's Workers Party, it is claimed

30 April 2024, 08:47 | Updated: 30 April 2024, 11:14

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By Henry Riley

@HenryRiley1

Two current MPs are in talks to join George Galloway's Workers Party, LBC has heard.

They are believed to be Labour MP Tahir Ali, and Independent MP Claudia Webbe.

Mr Ali has denied he is talking to Mr Galloway.

Two months on from the Rochdale by-election, in which controversial ex-Labour MP George Galloway won a landslide, it was reported that he would reach out to current and former Labour MPs.

Speaking after the result back in February, Mr Galloway was asked if he was in talks with Labour MPs - to which he told LBC "if I was I wouldn't be telling LBC... But there is a problem, and far more important is the risk to the seats of Labour candidates at a General Election - dozens if not scores of them, from the political movement that will eliminate out of here [Rochdale]"

Tahir Ali represents Birmingham Hall Green and has a majority of 28,508.

In a statement, Mr Ali said "no such talks" have taken place and he is "proud to serve his constituency as a Labour MP."

"I will continue to work for a Labour victory at the next General Election. i stand firm in the belief that a Labour government is the greatest hope for reversing over a decade of Tory mismanagement and failure and delivering the leadership and change desired by millions of people across the UK."

Claudia Webbe - the MP for Leicester East is believed to be in active talks - she was pictured with Mr Galloway at a recent Muslim Aid event.

Ms Webbe was suspended from Labour in 2020 after being charged and later convicted of harassment - her appeal was partially dismissed.

Ms Webbe has been contacted for comment.

Mr Ali was forced to apologise for a remark at Prime Ministers Questions in January for asserting that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had "the blood of thousands of innocent people on his hands"

Tahir Ali was also sat next to Mr Galloway at PMQs. two weeks ago.

In response, a spokesperson for Mr Galloway told LBC: “The Workers Party cannot confirm or deny any ongoing talks with MPs for the obvious reasons. But we can say with certainty that there are Labour MPs who are looking for a new home."

LBC has also had it confirmed from Mr Galloways that his Workers Party will not contest the seat of Islington North if Jeremy Corbyn stands - and they will instead endorse the ex-Labour leader.

The party intends to allow former left-wing South African MP Andrew Feinstein to stand against Sir Keir Starmer in the Labour leaders seat of Holborn and St Pancreas.