Published: 3:09 PM April 18, 2019 Updated: 6:12 PM September 17, 2020

George Galloway has recieved a backlash from Twitter after announcing his support for Nigel Farage in the European elections - Credit: Archant

George Galloway has come under fire after endorsing Nigel Farage's Brexit party.

Given the nature of Labour's Euro-fanatic candidates list and the crucial juncture we have reached in the fight for the full implementation of the #Brexit referendum result and for one-time only I will be supporting @Nigel_Farage in next months elections. @TheBrexitPartly — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) April 17, 2019

The firebrand former MP and Celebrity Big Brother contestant announced on Twitter that he would be supporting the new group in next month's scheduled European elections.

Galloway, who presents a show on TalkRadio, wrote: 'Given the nature of Labour's Euro-fanatic candidates list and the crucial juncture we have reached in the fight for the full implementation of the #Brexit referendum result and for one-time only I will be supporting @Nigel_Farage in next months elections.'

The former Labour and Respect MP's announcement was criticised by several figures on the left.

Miriam Mirwitch is the national chairwoman of Young Labour UK. She said: 'George Galloway coming out in support of Nigel Farage's fascist 'Brexit Party' might be the most George Galloway-thing to ever happen.'

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Vice chairman for Enfield North Labour party, Ed Poole said: 'Worst take ever. No common ground with the far right. EVER.'

Galloway, who voted for Britain to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum, responded to his critics on social media saying: 'Branding anyone to the 'right' of you as 'racist' even 'fascist' is a significant reason for the alienation of many working class people from Labour, now overwhelmingly liberal metropolitan and university educated. A labour movement without workers is a non-sequitur.'

Galloway was expelled from Labour in 2003, after a party disciplinary hearing found he had brought Labour into disrepute for his outspoken comments on the Iraq war.

Earlier this year there were reports that Galloway was trying to rejoin Labour, despite his long history of standing as a candidate against the party. However a Labour spokesman said that no such application was received by the party. He has spoken in support of Jeremy Corbyn and dismissed accusations of anti-Semitism against the Labour leader as a 'Goebellian lie'.

The European elections are due to be held on May 23 – although they will not take place if Theresa May is able to pass her Withdrawal Agreement through parliament in time.