The two former Labour MPs are set to launch a new party
BREAKING: Zarah Sultana has announced she is setting up a new political party with the former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Sultana is a left wing MP who had the Labour whip suspended for voting for ending the two child benefit cap. She represents Coventry South.
In a statement posted on social media, Sultana said: “Today, after 14 years, I’m resigning from the Labour Party. Jeremy Corybn and I will co-leadethe founding of a new party, with other Independent MPs, campaigners and activists across the country.”
Her statement concluded: “In 2029, the choice will be stark: socialism or barbarism.
“Billionaires already have three parties fighting for them. It’s time the rest of us had one.”
Corbyn has yet to publicly confirm his involvement in the project. And despite Sultana’s claims, the Sunday Times journalist Gabriel Pogrund has posted on X: “I understand Jeremy Corbyn has not agreed to join the new left party with Zarah Sultana yet He is furious and bewildered at the way it has been launched without consultation.”
It is not yet clear which independent MPs Sultana is referring to who will be involved with the new political party.
However, it appears clear that John McDonnell (who is also sitting as an independent having had the Labour whip suspended) is not among them. He quoted Sultana’s post on X and said: “I am dreadfully sorry to lose Zarah from the Labour Party. The people running Labour at the moment need to ask themselves why a young, articulate, talented, extremely dedicated socialist feels she now has no home in the Labour Party and has to leave.”
The news has been evoking differing views on the left.
Green Party deputy leader Zack Polanski (who is currently standing for the party ‘s leadership) said: “Anyone who wants to take on the Tories, Reform and this failing Labour government is a friend of mine. Looking forward to seeing what this looks like in practice.”
Labour MP David Taylor, meanwhile, said: “Went before she was kicked out, and good riddance”.
Labour NEC member Abdi Duale similarly posted on X: “Good riddance.”
Chris Jarvis is head of strategy and development at Left Foot Forward
Image credit: UK Parliament – Creative Commons
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