United Kingdom’s Labour Party is facing deepening internal divisions following the dramatic announcement of a new left-wing political party by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and recently resigned MP Zarah Sultana.
British media outlet The Telegraph reported that Sultana made the announcement on Thursday, shortly after officially resigning from the Labour Party. She confirmed that she and Corbyn would jointly lead the new party, though a name has yet to be decided. The platform will reportedly bring together independent MPs, political activists, and socialist campaigners.
Corbyn was expelled from Labour five years ago under current Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership. With Sultana, a close ally of Corbyn, now breaking away, analysts believe the left wing of British politics is headed toward a major schism, mirroring recent rifts among conservatives between the Tories and Reform UK.
Recent polls suggest the new leftist party could claim up to 10% of the national vote, a potential blow to Labour’s electoral prospects. This emerging third force could result in near parity between Labour and the Conservatives in upcoming elections.
Framing the coming general election as a battle between “socialism and barbarism,” Sultana, MP for Coventry South, pledged to resist welfare cuts and stand firmly in support of Palestine, which she described as suffering “genocide.”
Analysts say this new initiative could push Labour further to the left, especially after 49 Labour MPs recently opposed a government bill proposing cuts to disability benefits. Sultana has been outspoken on this issue and previously faced suspension from Labour for voting to restore benefits for families with more than two children.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Sultana declared, “After 14 years, I’m leaving the Labour Party. Jeremy and I are working with independent MPs and socialists across the country to form a new party.”
She also condemned the influence of billionaires and the perceived failures of the current Labour government, stating, “We want a country where people can afford to live, not one that foots the bill for the wealthy. Our wealth should fund public services, not war.”
Following her announcement, a link titled “Team Zarah” was shared for supporters to join the movement.
While Corbyn has not officially confirmed his involvement, he previously hinted in interviews at launching an alternative platform focused on peace, equality, and the eradication of poverty.
Former Labour Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell ruled out joining the new party but expressed regret at Sultana’s departure. “It should deeply concern the Labour leadership that someone as principled and committed as Zarah Sultana feels she has no choice but to leave,” he said.
Sultana’s outspoken activism has also attracted controversy. Last month, she voiced support for the group Palestine Action—saying, “We are all Palestine Action” and voted against a proposal to ban the group under anti-terror laws.
Meanwhile, Green Party leader Zack Polanski has expressed interest in collaborating with the new socialist project. “Anyone willing to fight against the Tories, Reform UK, and a failing Labour government is a friend of mine,” he wrote on X.
In response, the Labour Party issued a statement defending its record, claiming that in just 12 months in government it had raised wages, expanded healthcare access, launched school breakfast clubs, and signed new trade deals. “Only Labour can rebuild Britain,” the party asserted.
Whether the new socialist party will significantly impact UK politics remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Corbyn and Sultana’s announcement marks a renewed push to create a distinct space for socialist values in the British political landscape.