Monty Panesar is ducking out from Galloway’s Workers Party. He was set to contest Ealing, Southall in west London – a Labour seat with a 16,084 majority. He says:

“I realise I need more time to listen, learn and find my political home, one that aligns with my personal and political values.”

In an interview with The Guardian just five days ago, he said proudly: “My focus will be domestic. As I’ve said, I just want to help working class people who have been let down.” The former cricketer distinguished himself recently by claiming that leaving NATO could help curb immigration. Even Monty can’t spin his way out of that one…