Mr Panesar expressed his desire to advocate for the working class during his introduction as a Workers Party candidate in Parliament Square, joining others presented by Mr Galloway. The Rochdale MP mentioned the party’s ambitious plan of having 500 general election candidates already lined up. He hinted at discussions with potential Labour defectors, although their names weren’t disclosed yet.
Originally from Luton, Mr Panesar aims to challenge Labour’s stronghold in Ealing Southall. He emphasized his motivation to support the working class, drawing from his cricketing background and a desire to narrow the wealth gap. Inspired by Workers Party policies like a wealth tax for NHS funding, he decided to step into politics, despite being a first-time voter, influenced by a friend’s encouragement.
Mr Galloway, buoyant about his party’s prospects, positioned Labour as their main adversary, vying to replace them akin to Farage’s impact on the Conservatives. Confident in their readiness for elections, he mentioned plans to contest against prominent Labour figures, exempting Corbyn and Abbott should they run as independents.
Regarding Corbyn’s delay in deciding his electoral stance, Mr Galloway expressed disappointment, hoping for a left-wing alliance. He welcomed the prospect of Abbott joining but clarified she wasn’t among the MPs in talks.
Notable candidates include Amjad Bashir, a former UKIP MEP turned Conservative, and two ex-British ambassadors, Peter Ford and Craig Murray, expected to cover their own election deposits.
