Eradicate the monarchy but make Princess Anne president, George Galloway says

The ex-Labour and Respect Party MP called Princess Anne an 'outstanding woman' - Kirsty Wigglesworth

George Galloway has called for a referendum on the future of the monarchy and said Princess Anne should be president if it is abolished.

The leader of the Workers Party of Britain made the tongue-in-cheek remark as he launched his party’s manifesto on Wednesday, which includes a call for voters to say whether they think monarchy should be abolished.

When asked by The Telegraph how Mr Galloway felt about raising the issue while the King and Princess of Wales undergo cancer treatment, Mr Galloway said: “Our issue is with unelected power... it’s why we oppose monarchy - nothing personal.

“I happen to know Princess Anne and I’d have backed her for president of Britain any day, an outstanding woman, “ he added.

‘Future of the monarchy’ 

The 34-page long party manifesto contained numerous pledges - including the eradication of nuclear weapons, a ban on career politicians from the House of Lords and a review which would aim to allow all citizens the option to retire at the age of 60.

In a chapter of the document entitled “Democratic Reform”, the brochure read: “Our demand is that the British people be given a say in the future of the monarchy and that a referendum be held to decide this.

“We do not seek to set down the precise question, nor propose an ideal form of change to the existing constitution, let that be informed by rational public debate”.

Mr Galloway launched his party's 34-page manifesto - Anthony Devlin

Speaking to journalists at the manifesto launch in Manchester, Mr Galloway, 69, went on to add there was “lots that is wrong with the monarchical system in Britain”, even if the Royal family were “paragons of Olympian virtue and strength”.

He added: “It is a Ruritanian absurdity that the firstborn to the existing monarch will automatically become the head of your state.

“Only an infantilised people could possibly regard that in 2024 as a suitable way to run a realm.”

The ex-Labour and Respect Party MP also said there were “many alternatives that are possible” and this was why the idea had been “treated” in the way it was in the manifesto.

‘I declare my candidature’ 

Jokingly, he said: “There could be an indirect election for the head of state, there could be a direct election for the head of state - in which case I declare my candidature.”

Mr Galloway also told of how he met the late Queen Elizabeth II while working at a hotel and said while she “did a great job”, he said a referendum on whether the monarchy should continue should have been held after her death.

The question and answer session followed a 30-minute speech given by Mr Galloway, which he began after arriving 15 minutes late to the launch.

Throughout the lengthy speech, he claimed Britain “will be at war within six months” if Sir Keir Starmer were to become Prime Minister.

Mr Galloway also said Nigel Farage had “something to say” but that “what he’s saying is wrong.”

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