Monty Panesar withdraws as candidate for Workers Party after nine days

Panesar, who took 167 Test wickets for England, announced the surprise move on April 30, but he has now stepped away, citing the need to find his "political feet" and a party "that aligns with my personal and political values"

Nick Friend | 08/05/2024 at 11:51

Monty Panesar will no longer run as a candidate at the general election for the Workers Party, nine days after the former England spinner's surprise move into politics was announced.

Panesar's brief foray saw him struggle through a couple of radio and television interviews, and he admitted in a statement on Wednesday explaining his departure from the role that he needs "more time to listen, learn and find my political home, one that aligns with my personal and political values".

Panesar, who took 167 Test wickets, added: "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.

"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."

In particular, he was challenged on his understanding of Nato, a major talking point for George Galloway's party, and Panesar, who was the party's parliamentary candidate for Ealing Southall, confessed to Times Radio that he lacked a "deep understanding" of the alliance.

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^{Panesar took 167 Test wickets for England (William West/AFP via Getty Images)}

In an interview with The Cricketer, he explained the rationale for his candidacy.

"I want to give something back," he said. "I grew sick of seeing millionaires helping their friends and I wanted to help vulnerable people with their gas prices and mortgage rates. I honestly think I can win this election. And I honestly think having someone with the peoples' interests in parliament would be a good thing."

He added: "The way I see it, there's so little difference between Labour and Conservative these days," he adds. "And that's why people are coming to us [the Workers Party] or Reform. People are tired of the way things are going. They want change."

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