British politics took a dramatic turn this week as a fresh split from Labour plunged a new left-wing movement into confusion before it even got off the ground.
What was meant to be a united launch of an alternative party quickly turned into a messy scene, filled with mixed messages and unexpected fallout.
Sultana’s Shock Departure Stuns Labour and Corbyn Alike
Late last night, Zarah Sultana made headlines by announcing she was officially leaving the Labour Party.
But the bigger surprise came when she declared she would be co-leading a brand-new political party—side by side with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Her bold move caught nearly everyone off guard—including Corbyn himself.
Reports suggest he was not only surprised, but furious and confused by the timing and presentation of the announcement.
Corbyn Responds with Caution and a Hint of Distance
By Thursday afternoon, Corbyn finally responded to the situation.
He acknowledged Sultana’s involvement, saying she would help build “a new alternative,” but he noticeably stopped short of confirming her role as co-leader.
His statement hinted at ongoing internal discussions rather than a finished plan.
To add to the uncertainty, the party doesn’t even have a confirmed name yet.
Some ideas being floated include Real Change and Peace and Justice Project, but nothing’s set in stone.
Momentum Builds Despite Mixed Signals
Despite the awkward start, Corbyn has made it clear for some time now that he sees a new political movement as necessary.
In an interview on Wednesday, he said there was a public “thirst” for something different—something that speaks to inequality, peace, and justice.
Polls have suggested this potential party could grab up to 10% of the left-wing vote, a shift that could seriously harm Labour’s electoral prospects.
A History of Conflict with Labour Leadership
Corbyn has been operating outside the Labour Party since 2020, after being suspended over comments about antisemitism under his leadership.
He was formally expelled last year but retained his Islington North seat as an independent.
Meanwhile, Sultana has also had her share of run-ins with party leadership.
She’s been vocal in her criticism of Keir Starmer and was already sitting as an independent after losing the Labour whip.
Sultana Makes Her Case for Change
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sultana didn’t hold back.
She said, “Westminster is broken,” and slammed the two-party system as a model of “managed decline and broken promises.”
She cited her previous suspension from Labour for opposing the two-child benefit cap, which affects hundreds of thousands of children living in poverty.
“I’d do it again,” she said defiantly, adding she also opposed scrapping winter fuel payments for pensioners and stood against cuts affecting disabled people.
Building a Party with a New Vision
Corbyn, speaking on ITV’s Peston on Wednesday, confirmed that he is actively working with campaign groups across the UK.
He emphasized the movement’s focus on poverty, inequality, and peace-oriented foreign policy.
“This grouping will come together,” he said.
“There will be an alternative on offer—something grounded in fairness and compassion.”
When asked directly whether he wanted to lead the new party, Corbyn gave a typically humble response: “I’m here to work, to serve the people, the way I always have.”
So, What’s Next?
While the exact leadership structure and party name remain unclear, one thing is certain—there’s growing energy behind the idea of a new political force on the British left.
The days ahead will be critical. Can Corbyn and Sultana reconcile their rocky start and rally support?
Or will this insurgent project crumble before it finds its footing?
One thing’s for sure: British politics just got a lot more interesting.
