Former England spinner Monty Panesar, plans to enter politics, according to George Galloway, head of the fringe Workers Party of Britain, on Tuesday. Galloway, renowned for his left-wing views, stated that Panesar is one of the 200 candidates the party is fielding in the forthcoming UK general election.
Mudhsuden Singh Panesar was born in Luton, north of London, to Sikh immigrant parents from Indian Punjab. He became a renowned character among cricket fans, frequently recognised for his unique appearance on the pitch while wearing a black patka. He made history as the first practising Sikh to play for England when he debuted in 2006. He went on to represent England in 50 Tests and taking 167 wickets between 2006 and 2013. Following his retirement from cricket, he pursued sports journalism at St. Mary’s University.
Why is Monty Panesar joining politics
Panesar’s decision to join politics stems from his desire to be a voice for the country’s workers. My aspiration in politics is to one day become Prime Minister, where I would make Britain a safer and stronger nation. But the first job at hand is to represent the people of Ealing Southall,” he wrote in a column in The Telegraph.
Panesar will run in the Ealing Southall constituency in west London during the election. Panesar’s official unveiling as a candidate for the Workers Party will take place at a press event outside the Houses of Parliament.
Ealing Southall, represented by Vivendra Sharma since 2007, is heavily dominated by the Labour Party, with Sharma holding a majority of over 16,000. The constituency has a significant Asian population, accounting for almost one-third (30%) of its residents, according to the 2021 Census.
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