Shock win for Galloway in London
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/vote_2005/england/4520121.stm>
The Respect Party's George Galloway has taken the Labour safe seat of Bethnal Green & Bow in east London. Oona King was deposed as the MP after former Labour member Mr Galloway forced a 26.2% swing in his favour, following a bitterly fought campaign.
Mr Galloway, who attacked Tony Blair in his acceptance speech, fought on an anti-Iraq war manifesto which appealed to the large local Muslim population.
Ms King was one of Tony Blair's most loyal supporters and backed the war.
Taking to the podium after his victory was announced, Mr Galloway said: "Mr Blair, this defeat is for Iraq and the other defeats that New Labour has received this evening are for Iraq.
Galloway's East End street fight
"All the people you have killed and all the loss of life have come back to haunt you and the best thing that the Labour Party can do is sack you tomorrow morning."
In April, Mr Galloway claimed he was the victim of death threats by a gang of Islamic extremists as he canvassed in the constituency.
Ms King had her car tyres slashed and was pelted with eggs and vegetables.
Mr Galloway said the result was "sensational".
Mr Galloway, 50, overturned a 10,057 majority for Ms King at the last election, polling 15,801 votes to Ms King's 14,978.
It has been the best job in the world and I have been so proud of what Labour has achieved
Oona King
Tory gains rock Labour in London
Mr Galloway was gracious towards Ms King thanking her for her eight years of work in the constituency and describing her as an "able person who will be back in politics and parliament".
"It was not her defeat. It was a defeat for Tony Blair and New Labour for all of the betrayals".
Ms King said: "It has been the best job in the world and I have been so proud of what Labour has achieved.
"Labour Members of Parliament working with a Labour council, working with a Labour government to make real improvements in the lives of people here."
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