he first became an mp in 1987 for the glasgow hillhead constituency, which later became glasgow kelvin. in 2004, he became a member of the left—wing respect party, and became the party's leader by late 2013 until it dissolved in 2016. he founded the workers party of britain in 2019, the party he's just won a parliamentary seat for in rochdale. he's been one of the most outspoken politicians here in the uk over the years, becoming one of the most prominent critics of the war in iraq and a supporter of the palestinian cause. those views have often been seen as controversial by some, his comments on israel in particular have drawn accusations of anti—semitism. we're joined now by polling expert sirjohn curtice, professor of politics at the university of strathclyde. welcome. you have seen your fair share of by—elections. how remarkable is the outcome of this one? ., , , ., , one? the honest truth is that this is a truly remarkable _ one? the honest truth is that this is a truly remarkable outcome. i one? the honest truth is that this | is a truly remarkable outcome. let me just to give yo