FITZPATRICK WEDDING INSULT WILL COST HIM THE ELECTION
The following report from the Evening Standard, while far from being sympathetic to Respect and George Galloway, does show that the Poplar and Limehouse seat is a close three way marginal, and a Respect victory is on the cards. Indeed, the safest vote to stop the Tory-boy candidate, Tim Archer, is to vote Respect, vote George Galloway
The wedding of barrister Bodrul Islam to investment banker Mahbuba Kamali was meant to be a private affair.
The bride and groom had invited 800 guests to their £25,000 reception last August and — as both families were staunch Labour supporters — among them was to be local Labour MP Jim Fitzpatrick.
But when he and his wife arrived at the London Muslim Centre and were told that men and women would be seated separately, they walked out. Not even a call from the groom’s father promising a table for non-Muslims to sit together could entice him back.
Instead Mr Fitzpatrick called a local paper to complain about the growing influence of the hardline Muslim group, Islamic Forum of Europe, which he blamed for imposing segregation.
But Mr Fitzpatrick’s politicisation of this private affair — the groom does not support the IFE and says it was “our family’s choice to have a segregated wedding” — has not gone down well in the Bangladeshi community, which makes up 40 per cent of the local electorate.
Indeed, the subsequent decision by Mr Islam, 29, to defect from Labour and stand as a council candidate for George Galloway’s Respect party, and that of his in-laws to switch their support to Tory candidate Tim Archer, is symptomatic of how the tectonic plates are shifting in Poplar & Limehouse.
Five years ago Mr Fitzpatrick, a former fireman whose working class roots play well here, won easily with a 7,129 majority.
But boundary changes, which took out Labour-supporting Canning Town and brought in the wealthy Tory-supporting wards of Wapping and St Katherine’s as well as Shadwell, a Respect stronghold, have cut his lead in half.
With the fallout from the wedding fiasco and the national rise of the Tories in the polls, this once-safe Labour seat has become a neck-and-neck three-horse race.
Ironically the biggest beneficiary of what Mr Fitzpatrick, the Farming Minister, now admits to the Standard was a “clumsily-handled affair” might not be Mr Galloway, but the Conservatives, a party that last won in the East End more than a century ago.
Muslim community activist Abu Mumin — who was thanked by Mr Galloway in his victory speech after taking Bethnal Green and Bow in the shock result of the 2005 election — believes that Mr Galloway is a “busted flush”.
“Last time the Iraq war was Galloway’s ticket, but you don’t have similar sentiments now. People are fed up that Galloway hardly ever speaks in Parliament and that he went on Big Brother.
“Fitzpatrick would have won easily, but his rant on the wedding has made him look anti-Bangladeshi. I’ve got staff who live on the Isle of Dogs where Archer is a councillor and they say he’s hard-working and that they’re voting for him. A number of mosques have come out in support of Archer, which is big news because they’ve never supported a Conservative before.”
Of all London’s 73 parliamentary seats, Poplar and Limehouse is perhaps the most economically divided. It takes in Canary Wharf, which has generated 95,000 jobs and where the average man’s salary is more than £100,000, but it also suffers a 77 per cent child poverty rate, the fifth highest in the UK.
The crude calculus is that for David Cameron to win, he must take 117 marginal seats, of which Poplar and Limehouse is number 105 on his hit- list. Ladbrokes has it too close to call, with Labour and the Conservatives joint favourites and Mr Galloway on 7/1.
Last week, in an attempt to shore up support for Mr Fitzpatrick, Gordon Brown visited a community centre in Poplar and Limehouse.
But how do the candidates see the race? With all to play for, the Evening Standard joined each one on the doorstep to find out.
Mr Fitzpatrick, 58, meets me at his Westminster office. As we travel by Tube to Bromley-by-Bow in the northeast of his constituency, he asks: “Do you know why people take an instant dislike to George Galloway?”
He pauses. “It saves time.” He smiles at the joke, but there is clearly no love lost between the two Scotsmen, although any suggestion that he is not taking Mr Galloway seriously is waved away.
“I think we’ve got every chance of holding on to the seat with what we’ve achieved — the £1.3 billion new wing of the New London Hospital is just one example — but you can never underestimate Galloway. He’s a brilliant orator and with Respect winning 12 seats in the 2006 local elections, he’ll be confident he can take the Muslim vote.”
Demographically the electorate is split evenly between the white working class and Bangladeshi Muslims with affluent young professionals making up the remaining 20 per cent. But it’s the high turnout rate of Muslims — almost twice that of the white working class, says Mr Fitzpatrick — that makes their votes especially crucial.
Was it a mistake, then, to walk out of that wedding? “No, I’m opposed to forced segregation and I wanted to highlight the influence that the hardline IFE are exerting on the Muslim community. I admit that the way I did it was clumsy and I’ve apologised to the groom’s family for any offence caused, but a Dispatches programme which aired on Channel 4 last month vindicated my concern about the IFE.”
So has Mr Fitzpatrick made the blunder of his career? Mr Galloway, 55, who has arranged to meet me in a part of Bow known as “mugger’s alley”, believes so. Arriving in customary fashion an hour late, he pulls up in his Lexus, parks on a double-yellow line and emerges looking like an ageing rock-star in a shiny metallic-grey suit.
“Somebody said to me, God must really like you: it was Oona King voting for war last time, now its Fitzpatrick waging war on Muslims this time’. Labour will come third here,” he says, “I’ll put my house on it.”
Mr Galloway dismisses criticism that he’s yesterday’s man. “The boundary change is a big win for me: out went Canning Town and with it 6,000 votes for Jim, and in came Shadwell, where we hold all three council seats, and 6,000 votes for me.”
How does he rate Mr Archer’s chances? “There hasn’t been a Tory in the East End since they put children up chimneys,” he says. “Tory boy they call him round here. He reminds me of Michael Gove in his early days, but he’s a player in the election, no doubt about that.”
The 35-year-old councillor for Blackwall and Cubitt Town ward was made redundant from Barclays last year and has campaigned full time for the last six months.
Can the Conservatives really take the East End for the first time since 1895? “I’m optimistic,” says Mr Archer, meeting me on the St George’s Estate off Cable Street where resident Shelim Uddin invites him into his flat.
“Mr Archer, we share your views on family values — don’t worry, this time we will put you in, this time we are serious,” he says. It’s a strange sight watching a Tory candidate feted by a man watching Bangladeshi TV, but Mr Archer says his Muslim backing is growing.
“Bangladeshis traditionally voted Labour but Galloway unshackled that link last time and it could benefit us with voters no longer naïve about Respect. Jim created a problem for himself by walking out of that wedding. Most Muslim weddings are segregated, so why was Jim surprised? People wonder whether he was courting the white vote, whether he had another agenda.”
Galloway will come third and run for Tower Hamlets mayor.
Comment by Grump — 13 April, 2010 @ 1:20 pm
Just thinking, many of the protestant funerals I have been to in the west coast of Scotland were segregated in the past, mixed at the church, male at the graveside. culture. They even have segregated graveyards in some parts.
Comment by Jim McLean — 13 April, 2010 @ 1:28 pm
If the Tory takes the seat it will be because the working class vote has been split between Labour and Respect, but whatever happens the people of Poplar and Limehouse will not end up with the MP they deserve!
Comment by Jim — 13 April, 2010 @ 1:51 pm
Isn’t the article actually saying that Fitzpatrick’s Islamophobia and Galloway’s failures could let the Tories win.
Comment by DRN — 13 April, 2010 @ 1:53 pm
“The 35-year-old councillor (Tim Archer) for Blackwall and Cubitt Town ward was made redundant from Barclays last year ”
That’s not what he put in his most recent declaration of interests to the Council (”updated 31st January 2010″) still on the council’s website - he put that he was on “a career break”; and in his previous year’s he declared his senior position with Barclays (Head of Cash Performance for the UK retail sector of Barclays Bank plc). So what’s the truth about his association with Barclays bank? Has he got something to hide?
On his personal website and all his propaganda he fails to mention his long term association with Barclays Bank, who recently declared one of the biggest profits in banking history last year of £11.6billion.
He also declared that he owned three properties in Tower Hamlets, so he’s also a landlord worth the best part of a £1million in property alone.
To remove any risk of this awful Tory getting in and with Fitzpatrick’s vote in freefall, Labour voters in Poplar and Limehouse need to vote for Galloway in overwhelming numbers.
Comment by Prinkipo Exile — 13 April, 2010 @ 2:29 pm
#4
“Isn’t the article actually saying that Fitzpatrick’s Islamophobia and Galloway’s failures could let the Tories win.”
The article is from the rabidly Tory Evening Standard, talking up the Tory candidate for all it is worth. I hardly think it is providing an ballanced view of wa is going on in Tower Hamlets.
Comment by Andy Newman — 13 April, 2010 @ 3:42 pm
The argument that a vote fr RESPECT is the best way to stop the Tory is a bit suspect. Given that polling shows the Tories and Labour as the best placed parties, you could argue that voting Labour is te best way of keeping the Tories out.
That said, voting Galloway, and risking a Tory win, is well worth it. We need every genuine socialist in Parliament we can get - while one more New Lab or Tory boy either way is no cause for nightmares.
Regarding the Lexus - sometimes Galloway makes it too easy for his opponents to score points, which seems a bit niave for such an experienced figure.
Comment by Jota — 13 April, 2010 @ 4:57 pm
#7
“Given that polling shows the Tories and Labour as the best placed parties, you could argue that voting Labour is the best way of keeping the Tories out.”
Which polling?
I have not seen any scientific polling specific to this particular constituency, what I think you are referring to are the guesstimates of the bookies, based upon their hunches.
The big story in that constituency is Jim Fitpatrick’s voting base melting down.
Comment by Andy Newman — 13 April, 2010 @ 5:02 pm
“Regarding the Lexus - sometimes Galloway makes it too easy for his opponents to score points”
Well if you’re after votes from Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May then perhaps you’re right but since GG drives around the country a lot doing meetings and the like a hybrid car is not such a bad idea.
Comment by TLC — 13 April, 2010 @ 5:20 pm
There is also presumption in the Tory press (and among some of the left as well) that Respect are a “busted flush”. This is based on the assumption that Galloway committed electoral suicide when he went on Celebrity Big Brother and that the Iraq war is not the issue it was in 2005.
In fact the results of elections such as the Shadwell by-election in 2007, when Respect beat former council leader Michael Keith with an unknown, and the London Assembly constituency elections in 2008 indicate that Respect is well in contention in this seat and that there is less than 10% between the three parties. Part of Shadwell was in the old Bethnal Green and Bow in 2005 but now moves into the Poplar and Limehouse constituency. Shadwell is feared so much by the Labour Party that one of their leading councillors (cabinet member no less) was so worried about losing her seat when she was recently selected for it, that she upped sticks to go to the Tory Party in the hope of a better seat!
But the biggest issue is that despite party labels ultimately voters in a parliamentary election are choosing between individuals. And three more contrasting individuals you could not find - Galloway, Fitzpatrick and Archer. Although it clearly has a tory bias the Evening Standard makes clear the terrain on which the election is being fought and it is the Fitzpatrick vote going in to meltdown that dominates - the guy just has no redeeming features at all in the eyes of the average voter; even loyal Labour Party members cannot stomach him and are trying to keep him out of ‘their’ wards for fear of him losing them more votes in the council elections.
On the other hand, Galloway is looking increasingly like a powerful statesman and international figure, and a giant compared to the lacklustre Fitzpatrick and Archer.
While the war in Iraq may have faded a little compared to 2005, the Palestine issue remains strong among voters here, but also Respect has been plugging away over many months over bread and butter issues, like housing and jobs, that are having a real resonance with traditional Labour voters. The next three weeks will be absolutely critical in driving that message home and that only Respect represents an alternative to the Tories in Poplar and Limehouse.
Comment by Prinkipo Exile — 13 April, 2010 @ 5:27 pm
To the first post, George will win here Inshallah there is great response and support during door to door!
Though i’m sure there is huge demand for George to run for Mayor of Tower Hamlets aswell! I know i’d vote for him again and so would everyone else in Tower Hamlets! Certainly Jim thinks so too.
Comment by Tabish — 13 April, 2010 @ 5:29 pm
#10
“There is also presumption in the Tory press (and among some of the left as well) that Respect are a “busted flush”. ”
We also see extraordinary levels of sectarianism, for example here on Liberal Conspiracy where someone from the Green Party claims that Norwich South is the only seat in England where a Labour right winger is facing a credible challange from the left:
http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/04/13/could-norwich-south-be-the-referendum-on-new-labour/
I think some on the left discount Respect’s chances just because tey find Respect a bit too edgy, and wish we didn’t exist.
Comment by Andy Newman — 13 April, 2010 @ 5:31 pm
So respect’s a bit like this:
http://animalnewyork.com/2010/03/is-this-mural-too-edgy-for-times-square/
Comment by ace in the hole — 13 April, 2010 @ 5:38 pm
Let Galloway enjoy his luxury motorcar. And I wish barrister Bodrul Islam and investment banker Mahbuba Kamali every happiness in their marriage. It’s good to see that the unprecedented racism and persecution faced by some Muslims and anti-war politicians isn’t stopping them being on a very nice little earner and living comfortable middle class lives.
Comment by Tommy — 13 April, 2010 @ 5:41 pm
#9 fair enough - although i was referring to my belief that a Lexus is a luxury car, out of the reach of most people.
Comment by Jota — 13 April, 2010 @ 5:57 pm
It would be a joy if Galloway did win, just to see the cruise missile left types like Nick Cohen foam at the mouth.
Comment by robert — 13 April, 2010 @ 8:08 pm
Here’s a video surfaced showing George being abused at Limehouse mosque… bloody disgusting its people like these who give muslims a bad name! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXjXocxdIO4
George should take his MEGAPHONE with him everywhere incase this happens again he can shout these idiots down!!
Comment by Tabish — 13 April, 2010 @ 8:18 pm
It is absolutely disgraceful that segregation was used. Where are the EHRC when evils of this kind occur?
Comment by James — 13 April, 2010 @ 9:10 pm
All the way with Galloway on the 6th of may.
Comment by Last man standing — 13 April, 2010 @ 10:28 pm
I have a seat leon, does that make me evil?
Comment by AC — 13 April, 2010 @ 10:36 pm
I like this web site, all these positive comments…….I just wished all you high brow clever €unts would get off your laptops and get down to the campaign H.Q. And really help George….we need every man and his dog on the street. Stop talking/blogging about action, get out and live it!!
Comment by Jay Stewart — 14 April, 2010 @ 12:42 am
There is a lot of resistance on the part of many to accept that George is now part of a left that he has opposed throughout his political life. Maybe I’m too old and my memory too long, but is this not a guy whose actions caused trade unionists to leave the Labour Party, is this not a man that states he couldnt live on three workers wages and made Respect abandon a basic principal that the new left demanded of their representatives. I just cant stand hero worship in politics, at the moment his anti war stance is enough for me to support him, but I just cant see him as a messiah, and Respect, I’m not quite sure what they stand for either, it seems to be a sort of old Labour allied with a network of local groups with little in common. Och well, lets see how he does in a hung Parliament.
Comment by Jim McLean — 14 April, 2010 @ 1:55 am
Don’t need hero worship - this is a clear-cut choice for anyone on the left who believes elections can make a difference at all.
Comment by christian h. — 14 April, 2010 @ 2:05 am
20 - no.
Comment by Jota — 14 April, 2010 @ 7:04 am
Jim,
Could you be specific please? Which basic principles did Galloway exactly abandon?
Comment by Nu'man — 14 April, 2010 @ 8:59 am
It seems reasonably clear to me that Jim is saying that George ‘made RESPECT abandon a basic principal that the new left demanded of their representatives’ — ie that elected representatives of workers should take only the avearge wage of those that they represent. So I don’t think he’s saying that George abandoned any priniple that he himself held, as unlike Dave Nellist, Dennis Skinner, Terry Fields and Pat Wall he neveraccepted this as a principle.
Some of the other points in Jim’s contribution are less clear to me, such as what he means by ‘the new left’
Comment by paulm — 14 April, 2010 @ 9:22 am
#26
“that elected representatives of workers should take only the avearge wage of those that they represent. “
This is not a *principle”, this is a shibboleth that in recent years has been associated with the Trotsykite fringe as a hammer to beat other leftists with.
Does John McDonnell “take a workers wage”?? Alan Simpson? Linda Riordann? David Drew?? Paul Flynn?? Did Tony Benn? Eric Heffer? Nye Bevan? D N Pritt???
It is not a demand with any organic resonance with the mainstream labour movement in Britain.
People shuod not use politics as a path to enrich themselves, but as I have said many times, if someone of George’s talent and personability had wanted just to be rich, then there are plenty of easier paths than the one he has chosen.
Comment by Andy Newman — 14 April, 2010 @ 9:34 am
#27
It would be a sectarian to make a shibboleth of it & not vote for Galloway because he won’t live on a normal wage. However, it is a good principle. As for resonance, in the context of the public disenchantment with MPs expense account rorting, etc, I think if Galloway were to adopt this principle, his electoral victory would be guaranteed.
Comment by Tony — 14 April, 2010 @ 10:03 am
26# not the old left that was around when I worked in the yards etc, CP etc, left wing but not “militant” labour, with the collapse of the shop stewards movement and the expulsion of Militant from Labour the left in the Uk took on a very different and distinctive hue, to me it was a new left. While the SWP have to an extent filled the void left with the collapse of the CPGB within the Trade Union movement, that movement is basically neutered by the acceptance of the free market by the Union leadership and the Labour Party. What is missing is community based political action, Im not talking about protesting about closures of a local day centre but being their controlling those day centres etc before they are attacked. Political power is about controlling resources, the success of the CP and Labour in the depression was more to do with the fact that they controlled the distribution of benefits under the then panel system, Labours success was increased due to the control of the housing stock and municipal employement, all these things have been centralised so we must target other areas where to be active to be relevant. In Scotland the left had 6 MSP’s and only two councillors, that is not a viable strategy, we must look to the Central and South American activists for a way forward. It would be crazy not to vote for anyone slightly left of centre who could take a seat but accept they are only human and not gods although one or two would dispute that. Like I said in a previous post at the moment there is nobody worth supporting standing within miles of where I live so I’ll be on here taking the mickey. But dont worry just get out there and deliver the leaflets, remember if its flats, start at the top and run down, and if you are at home and the opposition chap on the door, be nice ask them friendly questions and keep them their as long as poss, then they will have less time on canvassing floating voters.
Whatever happened to the WRP and Maoists.
Comment by Jim McLean — 15 April, 2010 @ 2:37 am
There is something about this whole affair that has always puzzled me.
Am I the only person bewildered that two people who have never met their MP should invite him to their wedding, and that although he knows neither of them, and is supposedly a busy man as both an MP and a Minister, he actually accepts?
How many people on this blog invited their MP to their marriage ceremony?
http://paulstott.typepad.com/i_intend_to_escape_and_co/2010/04/would-you-invite-your-mp-to-your-wedding-.html
Comment by Paul Stott — 15 April, 2010 @ 10:24 am
Paul, if I understand correctly the family, who were Labour supporters, invited Fitzpatrick. It’s no big deal. You obviously have too much time on your hands.
Comment by The Friendly Lefty — 15 April, 2010 @ 10:46 am