Former Labour Party leader, Corbyn announces formation of new political party
Former Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn has announced the formation of a new political party intended to operate to the left of the Labour Party. The party which is yet to be officially named was temporarily dubbed “Your Party” on its website but is not called that officially according to Member of Parliament Zarah Sultana.
Corbyn and Sultana both of whom became independents after leaving Labour Party revealed their plans in a joint statement on Thursday emphasizing the need for “a new kind of political party” dedicated to addressing social injustices and challenging a “rigged” system they say favors the wealthy and powerful. The statement condemned the current government’s prioritization of military spending over social welfare and called for a “mass redistribution of wealth and power,” along with support for Palestinian independence.
The new party aims to be rooted in local communities, trade unions and social movements with supporters encouraged to participate in the founding process. An inaugural conference is scheduled to determine the party’s leadership, structure and policies.
Details about the party’s timeline remain unclear but the announcement arrives amid ongoing criticism of Labour leader Keir Starmer who has struggled to maintain support following Labour’s historic victory over the Conservatives last year. Starmer has faced particular criticism for his handling of welfare reform and for failing to unify the party around key legislative initiatives including efforts to reduce welfare spending.
Corbyn, who led Labour from 2015 until his resignation following a poor showing in the 2019 general election remains a prominent figure on the UK left. The 76-year-old was suspended from Labour in 2020 after he declined to fully accept findings of an internal probe into anti-Semitism allegations during his leadership an issue he has repeatedly denied was exaggerated for political reasons.
Meanwhile, Sultana, representing a younger generation of left-wing MPs was suspended from the Labour Party in 2024 after opposing a cap on benefits for families with more than two children. She has been a vocal critic of austerity measures and a supporter of Palestinian rights.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sultana clarified that the new party is not called “Your Party,” addressing some confusion among supporters and observers.
As the UK political landscape continues to evolve, the emergence of this new party could mark a significant realignment on the left challenging Labour’s recent centrist shift and appealing to voters seeking a more radical alternative.
