George Galloway contests London byelection from abroad

George Galloway, leader of the Workers Party of Britain, is contesting the Holborn and St Pancras byelection without having set foot in the United Kingdom since the campaign began.

Campaigning from abroad

Galloway, who has been elected to parliament seven times over his career, has described himself as being in "self-exile" after being questioned by counter-terrorism police at Gatwick airport roughly a year ago. He has reportedly remained abroad, in what he has called exile "in the east," including time in Russia, throughout the current campaign.

The seat was previously held by former prime minister Keir Starmer, adding significant attention to the contest.

An unconventional campaign

Galloway's decision to campaign remotely marks an unusual approach for a UK byelection, where candidates typically canvass constituents in person. It remains unclear how he intends to engage with voters in the constituency ahead of polling day.

Local election officials have not commented on the implications of a candidate campaigning entirely from outside the country.