Tooting by-election: George Galloway 'almost certain' to stand

Determined: George Galloway is “in it to win it”
Alex Lentati
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George Galloway today said he is “almost certain” to stand in the Tooting by-election in a move that could cost Labour victory in the marginal south London seat.

The poll triggered by Sadiq Khan’s victory at City Hall is expected to be held on June 9 and promises to be a closely fought contest.

At least six Labour wannabes rushed in applications by a 10am deadline this morning under special rules that will see hustings later this week and an official candidate announced on Saturday.

Frontrunners include two deputy leaders of the Wandsworth Labour group — housing charity worker Simon Hogg and local A&E doctor Rosena Allin-Khan.

Last May’s runner-up, local Tory Dan Watkins, is expected to stand again.

Bookmakers had Labour 1/3 favourites to retain the seat which Mr Khan won with a majority of 2,842 last year.

But Mr Galloway could alter the calculations. Speaking to the Evening Standard he said: “I will almost certainly stand as an independent candidate — and if I’m in it, I’m in it to win it.

“My track record shows I’m good at by-elections. Labour’s small majority in Tooting is an indication of the extent of disappointment in them, dissatisfaction actually.”

Insisting he had local links, he said: “I lived next door to Tooting for nearly 20 years until about 18 months ago. My GP, even my barber is still there.”

Dr Allin-Khan, 38, a mother of two young daughters, said she could unite voters. “I can reach out beyond the Labour vote because I am from a working class background, I have dual heritage, and I hear people’s concerns every day while working on the front line of an emergency department.”

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