Pro-Gaza Candidates Impact Labour Vote in Muslim Areas
Labour has lost multiple stronghold seats to independent candidates focused on pro-Gaza platforms. Shadow minister Jonathan Ashworth lost his Leicester South seat, and Labour's vote dropped in areas with significant Muslim populations. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer faced heckling, and former leader Jeremy Corbyn retained his seat as an independent.
Labour has lost multiple stronghold seats to independent candidates focused on pro-Gaza platforms.
Shadow minister Jonathan Ashworth lost his Leicester South seat, which had a 22,000-plus majority, and Labour's vote dropped by 11 points in areas where over 10% of the population identify as Muslim.
In Ilford North, shadow health secretary Wes Streeting saw his majority reduced from 9,000 to 528.
Labour managed to win back Rochdale from George Galloway but lost five seats with large Muslim populations.
In Leicester South, Shockat Adam won the seat by 979 votes, while the Conservatives captured Leicester East.
Independent Ayoub Khan defeated Labour's Khalid Mahmood in Birmingham Perry Barr.
Pro-Gaza independent candidates won in Dewsbury, Batley, and Blackburn.
High-profile Labour figures, like Jess Phillips and Rushnara Ali, saw significant reductions in their majorities.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer faced heckling and saw his own majority cut.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn retained his seat as an independent in Islington North.
Labour committed to recognizing a Palestinian state in its manifesto, yet faced criticism for its slow response to the Gaza conflict.