George Galloway is a man who likes respect. His campaign literature and online presence for the 2015 General Election confirms the fact by confidently asserting his status as a Member of Parliament – even if it is allegedly stretching the rules.
When Parliament is dissolved and election campaigns begin, MPs become merely candidates and they are legally prohibited from referring to themselves as MPs.
Parliamentary law clearly and plainly states,
(1.2) “During the period when Parliament is dissolved before a General Election there are no Members of Parliament. Consequently you may not use that title during this period.”
And,
(2.10) “All Members’ websites must bear a clear disclaimer throughout the dissolution period which makes it clear that the website was established while you were a Member of Parliament and that you are, until re-elected, no longer a Member of Parliament. The disclaimer should read:
“This website was established while I was a Member of Parliament. As Parliament has been dissolved there are no Members of Parliament until after the election on XX XXX 2010””
Galloway, however, appears to be continuing to use the title on his website and on his Respect Party election literature well into the election campaign, as our pictures show.