Scuffles As Country Elects First Muslim MP
The election of Mohammad Sarwar as Britain's first Muslim MP was marred by scuffles that broke out as the result was declared.
Police had to step in to separate a 33-strong contingent of British National Party supporters as Mr Sarwar was returned as Labour MP for Glasgow Govan.
Mr Sarwar and seven other candidates had initially refused to take the platform with British National Party candidate James White.
Only Scottish Conservative Unofficial candidate Zahid Abbasi had refused to join the protest.
Mr Sarwar blamed the BNP stance against other people's rights for the protest.
But when the time came for the result to be announced, it was Mr White who did not take the stand, leaving the way clear for the other candidates.
Scottish Socialist Alliance Party supporters shouted anti-fascist chants at the small group of BNP supporters. Police had to form a human barrier between the two groups.
The BNP supporters were eventually led from the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre by police.
The trouble at the count was the latest in a series of incidents which have dogged Mr Sarwar, the Pakistan-born millionaire, since he decided to stand for the Glasgow seat.
Speaking after the result was announced, he described his victory as a "great day for the people of Govan and the people of Scotland".
Mr Sarwar's political initiation came through the socialist Pakistan People's Party before he arrived in Scotland in 1976.
He made his money as a dairy produce wholesaler and formed United Wholesale Ltd in 1983. He joined the Scottish Labour Party in 1984 and became councillor for Pollokshields in 1992.
He retired from his business interests to spend time as a full-time councillor before being elected for Westminster.
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