Ex-England cricketer Monty Panesar withdraws candidacy for The Workers Party

Former England cricketer Monty Panesar has announced he will withdraw as a general election candidate for George Galloway's Workers Party.

Mr Panesar stood with Mr Galloway in April as he argued for a series of plans, including wealth tax and curbs on foreign ownership of sports teams. The former cricketer previously said he would stand in Labouur-held Ealing Southall.

However, he said he now needed "more time to listen" and find his "political home". He hinted that the Workers Party currently does not align with his own "personal and political values".

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Writing on X, formerly Twitter, he said: "So today I am withdrawing as a General Election candidate for The Workers Party. I realise I need more time to listen, learn and find my political home, one that aligns with my personal and political values.

“I wish The Workers Party all the best but look forward to taking some time to mature and find my political feet so I am well prepared to deliver my very best when I next run up to the political wicket.”

Mr Galloway said he had 500 candidates lined up to take part in the general election and wanted his party to put pressure on the Labour party in the same way the Reform Party is targeting the Conservatives.

Speaking as he announced he was standing for The Workers Party, Mr Panesar said: “When I played for England, there was so much support from the fans and the whole nation when they put me where I am today, it’s my turn now to actually help the working-class people, whatever problems they have.

“The gap between the rich and the poor is getting bigger and bigger.”

Mr Panesar also said he did not want to see foreign firms owning football clubs, and wanted fans in charge.

Mr Galloway said he was in talks with three Labour MPs and a peer about defecting. “Talks were going swimmingly, then not, then back on again,” he told the PA news agency.

“These things take time. I’m hoping to land them, I’m an experienced fisherman, I’m hoping to land them on the riverbank in good time.”