Tom Watson: People won't be fooled by Galloway's act
Tom Watson has said people in Sandwell "won't be fooled" by George Galloway, as he accused him of bringing shame on the Labour Party.
Mr Galloway, who visited the borough in the past week, is contesting the Labour deputy leader's West Bromwich East seat in the next general election, having called him out for blocking Brexit and stopping Jeremy Corbyn's rise to power.
He plans to stand as an "independent Brexit" candidate and has vowed to do all he can to stop Mr Watson from regaining the seat he has held since 2001.
Mr Watson has accused the 65-year-old of standing for "division, hatred and distrust". Mr Galloway was expelled from the Labour Party in 2003 over criticisms of the Iraq war.
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Mr Watson told the Express & Star: “George Galloway was expelled from Labour for disgracing the party by encouraging the killing of British soldiers.
"He’s got no connection to this area whatsoever and he’s just trying to sow division in our community. I’m am sure local people won’t be fooled by him.
Allegations
"The only way to achieve a Labour government to end austerity and invest in our area is to vote for the Labour Party.”
During his visit to the constituency Mr Galloway also took aim at Sandwell Council, revealing one of the key issues constituents had raised with him was allegations of corruption against the Labour-run authority.
He said he been handed a file of allegations that you could "stop a door" with, which he vowed to investigate if he wins the seat.
In response, Sandwell Council leader Yvonne Davies said: "I wish him the best of luck and if he discovers any corruption then we will take the necessary steps as a council.
"I can assure him that under my regime things are done through the proper processes. It is a great shame that he has chosen to hark back to the past and not to concentrate on the positive future we are creating for Sandwell.
"If he wants to come and have a cup of tea with me I will happily show him what a great council we are."
