Britain’s new pro-Gaza MP George Galloway sworn in

LONDON — Pro-Palestinian firebrand George Galloway capped a remarkable parliamentary comeback Monday as he was sworn in as the U.K.’s newest lawmaker.

Flanked by the Conservative “Father of the House” Peter Bottomley and Neale Hanvey, an MP for the breakaway pro-Scottish independence Alba Party, the veteran campaigner swore allegiance to King Charles III.

Known for a trademark black fedora, Galloway was notably hat-less for the occasion — due to Commons’ rules on protocol.

The parliamentary ceremony comes after Galloway — a former Labour MP who was kicked out of the party in the 2000s — won the Rochdale by-election, defeating Labour in a previously-safe seat on a stridently pro-Gaza ticket.

After swearing allegiance to the monarch Monday, Galloway shook hands with Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, before departing to address journalists waiting outside the Westminster parliament.

He was accompanied by Bottomley and Hanvey — both political rivals — as part of the parliamentary process that requires two “sponsors” for MPs elected through a by-election. Galloway initially said he hoped to be sponsored by the former Labour leader and fellow left-winger Jeremy Corbyn.

After swearing allegiance to the monarch Monday, Galloway shook hands with Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle | U.K. Parliament

Following his win in Rochdale, Galloway — whose views on Israel and foreign policy have at times courted controversy — vowed to raise the plight of Palestinians Gaza in parliament and to be a thorn in the side of Labour.

Speaking Monday morning on his way to parliament, Galloway said he “always loved the [parliament] building.”

“The people in it, not quite so much,” he added.