George Galloway was the first MP to break with Labour to the left. He was a central leader of the biggest anti-war movement Britain has ever seen. and prepared to be expelled for his uncompromising stand.
Respect emerged as a loose coannon belween George Galloway, the SWP, other socialists, and Muslims radicalised against the war. This was inevitable in the circumstances, but it was never a viable model on a long-term basis. What was always posed was how to develop Respect into a political organisation that could take on all-comers, on the full range of issues, in the cauldron of party politics.
Ultimatelv it would have to be organised as a party - whatever it was called. A loose coalition could not have MPs in Parliament, local councillors, or run councils which has been the plan. That would lead to disaster.
This was never going to be easy given the range of opinion within Respect. George Galloway was strong on the war, anti-imperialist and antineoliberal but weak (or worse) George Galloway and the SWP both want a loose structure for Respect for their own (slightly different) reasons on aspects of social policy. And there are faith groups in Respect alongside the far-left.
The problem is that the process of building any political coherence has never ever started. In fact it has been strongly opposed at each stage by George Galloway and the SWP, who both want a loose structure for their (slightly different) reasons.
After George Galloway won Bethnal Green and Bow last May, which was a tremendous achievement, things got worse.
He has become increasing unaccountable. His personal 'audience with George Galloway' tour was an example of this. He was famously mure ano a one or mese when New Labour survived by a majority of one on a key
on the "anti-terror" measures. Respect was damaged as a result.