Former England cricketer Monty Panesar is set to contest the Ealing, Southall seat in west London as a candidate for George Galloway’s Workers Party in the upcoming general election. Panesar, known for his cricket career with England, has joined politics with a focus on domestic issues such as scrapping the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) and advocating for free school meals across the UK. He has expressed a commitment to addressing the needs of the working class and the economic disparities in society.

The Workers Party, led by George Galloway, is presenting itself as an alternative to mainstream parties, aiming to challenge Labour by aligning with key issues that resonate with working-class and Muslim demographics, particularly in areas with significant discontent over Labour’s stance on international conflicts such as Gaza. The party has been gaining momentum, with a notable increase in membership following Galloway’s recent electoral success in the Rochdale by-election.

Galloway’s strategy includes fielding over 500 candidates, aiming to influence the election results by drawing votes from traditional Labour constituencies. The party’s platform focuses on both local and international issues, positioning itself against what it perceives as divisive mainstream politics. High-profile figures, potentially including former Labour MPs like Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott, have been linked with the Workers Party, suggesting a possible shift in the political landscape.

As the general election approaches, the Workers Party, with Panesar as one of its candidates, is poised to present a significant challenge in key areas, potentially impacting the broader outcome of the election.