A warning sign: 'Risk of violence' after Galloway victory

By

George Galloway's victory in Bradford West reflects a "political vacuum" which could lead to the rise of extremism and violence, a report has warned.

Detailed analysis from Lewis Baston of Democratic Audit led him to conclude voters were alienated by the weak nature of local politics in the city, which he said was dominated by "mutual accommodation" between the 'Asian', city whites and suburbanites elites.

Galloway shocked the country by winning 18,341 votes, a 56% share and over 10,000 votes more than the Labour candidate in the March 2012 by-election.

His win, in what should have been a safe seat for Labour, was partly the result of Labour and the Conservatives pursuing 'biraderi', or clan-based loyalty, Baston suggested.

The report found Galloway's Respect party benefited from a "locally-generated upsurge of political activity" which took advantage of the city's "pervasive sense of neglect and decline".

Baston acknowledged the circumstances which led to the 'Bradford earthquake' were "unique" but warned political parties against viewing it as an "aberration".

"It indicates the vulnerability of apparent strongholds when a number of factors come
together, and should give both major parties pause for thought about their relationship with the core voters they take for granted," his report, which was commissioned by the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, concluded.

"The result should not be dismissed as an emotional spasm or a mistake by the electors of Bradford, but as a very clear repudiation of the local power structure and the way that national politics is conducted."

The report has already been noted by some Labour MPs. Shadow minister Gavin Shuker tweeted: "Baston's report 'The Bradford Earthquake' should be required reading for Labour activists. We can't duck its findings."

But local party leaders have rejected the basic findings of the report.

"I am clear that there is an issue of direction that we need to go in – community cohesion – so I don't accept there is a political vacuum," Bradford council leader David Green told the Bradford Telegraph and Argus newspaper.

"I am not saying we have got things right; but it has been recognised for a number of years that there is an issue of integration of different communities within the district, not just based on religion and colour – we have got the recent migration from Eastern Europe."

Labour continued to suffer setbacks in Bradford after Galloway's win. Respect won five seats in May 2012's local elections, ending Labour's majority control of the city council.

Political news to your inbox

Fill in your details to receive Politics.co.uk's brand of informed, in-depth and independent coverage of Westminster to your inbox

Hot topics

Britain's great energy debate

How the power gets to Britain's homes in the next century remains a matter of deep controversy

As the next general election begins to loom over the horizon, the debate over Britain's future energy policy mix is starting to hot up - and nothing seems guaranteed.

The Heathrow third runway debate

Heathrow's third runway is just one of many options

There won't be a final decision on Britain's long-term aviation strategy until after the 2015 general election - but an aggressive national debate is already underway.

Opinion Former Events

MRSA Action UK Annual Memorial Event

Families will pay tribute and remember those lost to MRSA and healthcare associated infections at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 13th June 2013

BSIA: Information Destruction Exhibition & Conference 2013

Following the great success of the BSIA's Information Destruction Conference and Exhibition in May 2012, we are pleased to annouce that the event is returning again in June 2013. This one-day conference and exhibition is aimed at key decision makers in organisations that carry out the secure destruction of confidential material.