Galloway’s party in disarray as leader Yaqoob quits

Salma Yaqoob – until this evening the leader of George Galloway’s Respect Party – has quit. Her resignation follows Manchester Central candidate skate Hudson’s decision to stand down following Galloway’s comments on Julian Assange and rape. Yaqoob’s statement is below:

“It is with deep regret that I have decided to resign from Respect. The last few weeks have been extremely difficult for everyone in the party. I feel necessary relations of trust and collaborative working have unfortunately broken down. I have no wish to prolong those difficulties, and indeed hope that they may now be drawn to a close.

I remain committed to the principles and values that led me to help found Respect. The policies we have fought for need to be voiced as loud as ever in opposition to a political establishment that remains out of touch with working people.

I would like to thank everyone in the party for their support over the years; I wish everyone the very best for the future and in those common struggles for peace, justice and equality that I am sure we will all continue to be involved in.”