Zarah Sultana Announces Departure from Labour to Form New Party with Jeremy Corbyn
📷 Image source: ichef.bbci.co.uk
Background: A Growing Divide in Labour
Zarah Sultana, the Labour MP for Coventry South since 2019, has long been a prominent figure on the party’s left wing. Known for her staunch advocacy of socialist policies, including wealth redistribution, climate justice, and anti-austerity measures, Sultana has frequently clashed with the Labour leadership under Sir Keir Starmer. Her decision to leave the party marks a significant moment in UK politics, signaling deepening fractures within Labour’s ranks.
Sultana’s departure follows years of internal tension between the party’s socialist faction—once dominant under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership—and the centrist shift under Starmer. Since taking over in 2020, Starmer has sought to distance Labour from Corbyn’s legacy, suspending his predecessor over allegations of failing to tackle antisemitism within the party and purging left-wing members from key positions.
Statements from Sultana
In a passionate resignation statement, Sultana accused Labour of abandoning its socialist roots. "The Labour Party I joined no longer exists," she declared. "Under its current leadership, it has turned its back on the working class, on climate justice, and on the principles of international solidarity." She emphasized that her decision was not made lightly but was necessary to uphold her political convictions.
Sultana also confirmed her intention to collaborate with Jeremy Corbyn—who has remained an independent MP since his suspension—to establish a new political movement. While details remain scarce, early reports suggest the initiative will focus on grassroots organizing, economic justice, and opposition to militarism.
The Issue: A Fractured Left
Sultana’s exit underscores a broader crisis for the British left. Since Corbyn’s ousting, many socialist activists have grown disillusioned with Labour, viewing Starmer’s leadership as a betrayal of progressive values. The party’s reluctance to back policies such as public ownership of utilities and its cautious stance on issues like Palestine have further alienated its left-wing base.
Meanwhile, Corbyn, though no longer a Labour member, retains significant influence. His suspension in 2020 galvanized his supporters, and his continued advocacy for socialist policies has kept him in the public eye. A new party led by figures like Sultana and Corbyn could attract disenchanted Labour voters, trade unionists, and young activists—but it also risks splitting the left-wing vote, potentially benefiting the Conservatives.
Reactions from Labour and Beyond
Labour’s leadership has downplayed Sultana’s departure, with a spokesperson stating that the party remains focused on "winning the next election and delivering for working people." However, backbench MPs have expressed concern. One anonymous Labour MP told reporters, "This could be the start of a real exodus if Starmer doesn’t address the grievances of the left."
Outside Labour, reactions have been mixed. Trade unions, traditionally allied with the party, are divided—some leaders have praised Sultana’s courage, while others warn against further fragmentation. Meanwhile, Conservative commentators have seized on the news as evidence of Labour’s instability.
Development: The Road to a New Party
While formal details of the new political project are still emerging, insiders suggest it will operate as a coalition of socialist groups rather than a conventional party—at least initially. This approach mirrors movements like France’s La France Insoumise or Spain’s Podemos, which began as broad left-wing alliances before formalizing their structures.
Corbyn’s involvement remains unofficial, but sources close to him indicate he is "fully supportive" of Sultana’s efforts. His participation would lend the initiative immediate credibility among left-wing voters, though it could also invite scrutiny over past controversies, including his handling of antisemitism allegations.
Timeline of Key Events
The rift between Labour’s leadership and its socialist wing has been years in the making. In 2020, Starmer’s election as leader marked a decisive shift toward the center. Corbyn’s suspension later that year deepened divisions, and left-wing MPs like Sultana increasingly found themselves marginalized. Her resignation is the culmination of these tensions—and may inspire others to follow.
Impact: What This Means for UK Politics
The formation of a new left-wing party could reshape Britain’s political landscape. If successful, it might pressure Labour to adopt more progressive policies or risk losing voters. However, history suggests such ventures face steep challenges. The SDP-Liberal Alliance in the 1980s split Labour’s vote but failed to achieve lasting power, while more recent attempts like The Left Unity Party gained little traction.
For now, all eyes are on Sultana and Corbyn. Their next steps—whether rallying unions, securing funding, or contesting elections—will determine whether this new movement becomes a viable force or another footnote in the struggle for the soul of the British left.
As the UK approaches its next general election, the stakes could not be higher. With Labour striving to present itself as a government-in-waiting and the Conservatives grappling with their own crises, the emergence of a radical alternative may yet redefine the political battleground.
