Zarah Sultana Resigns from Labour to Co-Lead New Party with Jeremy Corbyn
Published 3 July 2025
Highlights
- Zarah Sultana, an independent MP, announced her resignation from the Labour Party to co-lead a new political party with Jeremy Corbyn.
- The new party aims to challenge the "broken" Westminster system and address issues like poverty and the cost of living.
- Corbyn has hinted at forming a new party but has not confirmed any leadership roles or formal structures.
- Sultana was suspended from Labour for opposing the two-child benefit cap and has criticized the government's welfare policies.
- The Independent Alliance, which includes Corbyn and other MPs, seeks to offer an alternative to the current political landscape.
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Rewritten Article
Zarah Sultana Resigns from Labour to Co-Lead New Party with Jeremy Corbyn
Former Labour MP Zarah Sultana has announced her departure from the party, declaring her intention to co-lead a new political movement alongside Jeremy Corbyn. Sultana, who represents Coventry South, revealed her plans to establish a party that challenges the "broken" Westminster system and addresses pressing issues such as poverty and the cost of living.
A New Political Movement
Sultana's resignation follows her suspension from Labour after she defied the party's stance on the two-child benefit cap. In a statement, she criticized the current political establishment, accusing it of offering "nothing but managed decline and broken promises." Her announcement has sparked discussions within the Independent Alliance, a group of independent MPs, including Corbyn, who have been exploring the formation of a new political entity.
Corbyn's Cautious Approach
While Corbyn has hinted at the possibility of a new party, he has refrained from confirming any leadership roles or formal structures. Speaking on ITV's Peston programme, Corbyn acknowledged ongoing discussions but emphasized a preference for collective decision-making. "There is a thirst for an alternative," he stated, suggesting that a "grouping will come together."
Criticism of Government Policies
Sultana's departure from Labour underscores her dissatisfaction with the party's policies and the broader political landscape. She has been vocal about her opposition to the government's welfare policies, particularly the two-child benefit cap, which she argues exacerbates poverty. "The government wants to make disabled people suffer; they just can't decide how much," she remarked, highlighting her commitment to social justice.
The Independent Alliance's Vision
The Independent Alliance, which includes Corbyn and other MPs, aims to offer a viable alternative to the current political parties. With a focus on left-wing and pro-Palestinian campaigning, the group seeks to address issues that resonate with a significant portion of the electorate. Despite the lack of a formal structure, the alliance has already gained traction, matching the number of MPs as Reform UK and the Democratic Unionist Party.
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Scenario Analysis
The formation of a new political party led by Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn could significantly alter the UK political landscape. If successful, the party might attract disillusioned voters from both Labour and other parties, potentially reshaping future elections. However, the lack of a clear leadership structure and potential internal divisions pose challenges to its cohesion and effectiveness.
Politically, this development could pressure existing parties to address the issues highlighted by Sultana and Corbyn, such as welfare reform and the situation in Gaza. Experts suggest that the new party's success will depend on its ability to present a unified front and articulate a compelling vision for change. As the situation evolves, the impact on UK politics will become clearer, with potential implications for upcoming elections and policy debates.
Former Labour MP Zarah Sultana has announced her departure from the party, declaring her intention to co-lead a new political movement alongside Jeremy Corbyn. Sultana, who represents Coventry South, revealed her plans to establish a party that challenges the "broken" Westminster system and addresses pressing issues such as poverty and the cost of living.
A New Political Movement
Sultana's resignation follows her suspension from Labour after she defied the party's stance on the two-child benefit cap. In a statement, she criticized the current political establishment, accusing it of offering "nothing but managed decline and broken promises." Her announcement has sparked discussions within the Independent Alliance, a group of independent MPs, including Corbyn, who have been exploring the formation of a new political entity.
Corbyn's Cautious Approach
While Corbyn has hinted at the possibility of a new party, he has refrained from confirming any leadership roles or formal structures. Speaking on ITV's Peston programme, Corbyn acknowledged ongoing discussions but emphasized a preference for collective decision-making. "There is a thirst for an alternative," he stated, suggesting that a "grouping will come together."
Criticism of Government Policies
Sultana's departure from Labour underscores her dissatisfaction with the party's policies and the broader political landscape. She has been vocal about her opposition to the government's welfare policies, particularly the two-child benefit cap, which she argues exacerbates poverty. "The government wants to make disabled people suffer; they just can't decide how much," she remarked, highlighting her commitment to social justice.
The Independent Alliance's Vision
The Independent Alliance, which includes Corbyn and other MPs, aims to offer a viable alternative to the current political parties. With a focus on left-wing and pro-Palestinian campaigning, the group seeks to address issues that resonate with a significant portion of the electorate. Despite the lack of a formal structure, the alliance has already gained traction, matching the number of MPs as Reform UK and the Democratic Unionist Party.
What this might mean
The formation of a new political party led by Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn could significantly alter the UK political landscape. If successful, the party might attract disillusioned voters from both Labour and other parties, potentially reshaping future elections. However, the lack of a clear leadership structure and potential internal divisions pose challenges to its cohesion and effectiveness.
Politically, this development could pressure existing parties to address the issues highlighted by Sultana and Corbyn, such as welfare reform and the situation in Gaza. Experts suggest that the new party's success will depend on its ability to present a unified front and articulate a compelling vision for change. As the situation evolves, the impact on UK politics will become clearer, with potential implications for upcoming elections and policy debates.
