Ex-England cricketer quits George Galloway’s party

Former England cricketer Monty Panesar has quit George Galloway’s party – just one week after being unveiled as a candidate.

Mr Panesar was the highest-profile recruit among dozens the Workers Party of Britain unveiled last week,

He had said he wanted to “represent the working class people of this country” at Westminster.

But, writing on social media, he said he needs more time to “find my political home”.

Mr Panesar, who was part of the side that won the 2009 Ashes series, said he had wanted to “do my bit to help others” but recognised he was “still learning about how politics can help people”.

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.”

The Luton-born spin bowler had been planning to stand to become MP in West London’s Ealing Southall constituency, where Labour’s Virendra Sharma currently holds a 16,000 majority.

Speaking last week, Mr Panesar admitted he’d never voted before but said he’d been impressed by Workers Party policies, such as a wealth tax to boost the NHS, and had been encouraged to become a candidate by a friend.

The news will be a blow to Mr Galloway, whose fledgling party aims to have hundreds of candidates standing in the general election.

The Rochdale MP has also claimed to be in talks with Labour MPs and a Labour peer about potentially defecting to his new party, although nobody has been announced yet.

Mr Galloway, who became the Workers Party’s first MP in February after winning the Rochdale by-election, said Labour was his party’s “number one enemy because we seek to replace them”.

He said it would be campaigning hard to unseat leading Labour figures, such as deputy leader Angela Rayner and shadow foreign secretary David Lammy.

Among the other Workers Party candidates, who will be expected to cover the £500 deposit for standing in a general election out of their own pocket, are former UKIP MEP Amjad Bashir, who defected to the Conservatives in 2015 and two former British ambassadors, Peter Ford and Craig Murray.

The Workers Party of Britain has been contacted for comment.