George Galloway tells reporters he 'always liked Houses of Parliament, the people not so much'

George Galloway has told reporters he always liked the Houses of Parliament, but “the people in it, not so much”.

On Monday, the newly-elected Rochdale MP made his way to Westminster for his first day in parliament.

Last week, the The Workers Party of Great Britain leader won the by-election with just under 40% of the vote.

The Rochdale campaign had been mired in controversy amid claims of intimidation and divisive tactics.

Labour withdrew support for its candidate, Azhar Ali, after a recording emerged in which he claimed Israel was complicit in the terrorist attacks of October 7, seeing Galloway become the firm favourite for the seat.

Mr Ali remained listed as the Labour candidate as the party’s decision came too late for ballot papers to be changed.

On Monday, whilst on his way into the building, Galloway spoke to reporters and said he was “feeling good” and that “the sun is shining” despite it being a “early shift”.

When asked what it is like to be back at the UK Parliament, he said: “I’ll tell you once I’ve been inside.

“I always loved the building, the people in it, not quite so much.”

The 69-year-old Scot has served as an MP in four constituencies previously, including Glasgow Hillhead and Glasgow Kelvin for Labour, and later Bethnal Green and Bow in London and Bradford West for the Respect party.