George Galloway has launched a campaign to stand for rector of Edinburgh University.

The Respect MP accepted his nomination from students at the official launch of the election, saying he would be an active rector rather than a symbolic figure.

The election, which will mark 150 years since the role was created, will take place in February.  Mr Galloway has announced plans to lead an aid convoy to Gaza shortly before the election takes place.

He said: "I am honoured to have been nominated by students to run for rector of one of the country's elite universities. I will be running my campaign unambiguously on the issue of Palestine."

Mr Galloway said a vote for him was a "vote for Palestine" and an opportunity to send a "message" to the UK Government.