Monty Panesar withdraws as candidate for George Galloway’s party

Monty Panesar, the former England cricketer, has withdrawn as a candidate for George Galloway’s Workers Party of Great Britain at the next election.

The 42-year-old was set to run against Virendra Sharma, the Labour incumbent in Ealing Southall, west London.

But in a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Panesar said: “I’m a proud Brit who has had the honour to represent my country at the highest level of cricket.

“I now want to do my bit to help others but I recognise I am at the beginning of my journey and still learning about how politics can help people.

“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.”

He added: “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.”