Hudson quits over Galloway rape comments

Mr Galloway - Respect's only MP - suggested that the rape allegations facing WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange amounted to little more than "really bad manners" and "bad sexual etiquette."

Ms Hudson said: "I cannot in all conscience stand as candidate for a party whose only MP has made unacceptable and unretracted statements about the nature of rape.

"To continue as Respect Party candidate in this situation, no matter how much I object to and oppose his statements personally, would be in effect to condone what he has said.

"That is something I am not prepared to do."

She added: "To continue to represent the Respect Party in this context does not accord with my political principles, which include the continuing struggle for justice and respect for women, as well as fighting against austerity, war and racism.

"I would like to thank our members and supporters in Manchester and across the country for the strong support extended to the Manchester Central campaign."