'I always loved the building - the people in it, not quite so much': George Galloway takes a swipe at Parliament as pro-Palestinian socialist agitator returns to Westminster in a (chauffeur-driven) Volvo to be sworn in as Rochdale MP amid Gaza tensions

George Galloway took a dig at politicians today as the hardline socialist made a chauffeur-drive return to their ranks in Westminster today.

Mr Galloway will be sworn in an MP for Rochdale today amid fears the pro-Palestinian agitator will fuel simmering tension over Gaza inside and outside the Commons.

The Workers Party leader is expected to walk into the house alongside Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader who is a close political ally.

He arrived at Parliament today in a sleek dark Volvo driven by an aide to be greeted by a crowd of photographers and camera crews, telling them: ‘I always loved the building – the people in it, not quite so much.’

It comes amid fears for MPs safety after extreme elements within the Gaza ceasefire protest movement target individual politicians in Westminster and at their homes and constituency offices.

Mr Galloway will meet Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle this morning ahead of his introduction. One senior source told MailOnline it would be ‘interesting to say the least’ given Sir Lindsay’s focus on MPs’ security.

'i always loved the building - the people in it, not quite so much': george galloway takes a swipe at parliament as pro-palestinian socialist agitator returns to westminster in a (chauffeur-driven) volvo to be sworn in as rochdale mp amid gaza tensions
'i always loved the building - the people in it, not quite so much': george galloway takes a swipe at parliament as pro-palestinian socialist agitator returns to westminster in a (chauffeur-driven) volvo to be sworn in as rochdale mp amid gaza tensions

In an interview conducted just after his election win on Thursday last week, he suggested teaming up with Mr Corbyn – who sits as an independent after being kicked out of Labour over anti-Semitism – to form a new party.

'i always loved the building - the people in it, not quite so much': george galloway takes a swipe at parliament as pro-palestinian socialist agitator returns to westminster in a (chauffeur-driven) volvo to be sworn in as rochdale mp amid gaza tensions

David Davis

'i always loved the building - the people in it, not quite so much': george galloway takes a swipe at parliament as pro-palestinian socialist agitator returns to westminster in a (chauffeur-driven) volvo to be sworn in as rochdale mp amid gaza tensions

Peter Bottomley

The new MP already appears to be scheming even before his return to the green benches after a gap of nine years.

In an interview conducted just after his election win on Thursday last week, he suggested teaming up with Mr Corbyn – who sits as an independent after being kicked out of Labour over anti-Semitism –  to form a new party.

Both former Labour MPs, they were vocal in their opposition to the Iraq war and are now among the most prominent critics of Israel’s actions concerning the war in Gaza.

Asked what he would say to Mr Corbyn he said: ‘You saw what happened last night. Set up, announce an alliance of the remaining socialists in the country.

‘You lead it, I’ll support it. You be leader, and let’s go! Time is running out, the general election might be three months from now.’

However Mr Galloway faces some embarrassment on his return after a senior Tory snubbed his request to swear him in.

The newly elected MP for Rochdale had boasted that former Brexit secretary Sir David Davis would accompany him when he takes his seat in the House of Commons. But Mr Davis has declined.

On Friday, Mr Galloway, the leader of the Workers Party of Britain, had told Sky News: ‘David Davis is one of the great parliamentarians of today and this age.’

However, after Mr Galloway’s deputy – former Labour MP Chris Williamson – refused to condemn Hamas’s terror attack on Israel, Sir David had a change of heart.

‘I was happy to introduce George because I’m a believer in free speech,’ he said. ‘But his deputy was trying to justify the October 7 attacks and that crosses the line.’

It is thought that the longest-serving MP in the Commons, Conservative Sir Peter Bottomley, will be asked to take part in the swearing-in ceremony instead, if no others agree.

New arrivals in the Commons are always flanked by two MPs when they are introduced by the Speaker.

Mr Galloway was approached by the Mail for comment.

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