LONDON, May 6: Britain’s ruling Labour Party suspended leading anti-war politician George Galloway on Tuesday over an outspoken attack on Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George Bush during the invasion of Iraq.

The left-wing firebrand called the two leaders “wolves” for attacking Iraq, in an appearance on a Gulf television station during the military campaign.

“He is suspended from holding office or representing the party pending the outcome of internal party investigations,” a Labour Party statement said, adding that party General-Secretary David Triesman had written to inform him.

“This suspension is effective forthwith,” it said.

Galloway said the action made a mockery of the assertion from London and Washington that the war was fought in the name of freedom and democracy and said he stood by his words.

He has been dubbed “MP for Baghdad Central” in the British press for his long-term opposition to military action and sanctions against Iraq.

Galloway has also threatened to sue the Daily Telegraph for libel over a report that claimed he had received 375,000 pounds a year in payoffs from the Iraqi government.

Parliament’s Standards Commissioner is to hold a separate inquiry into allegations against him.—Reuters