What began as a bold step toward forming a new left-wing movement has quickly turned into political confusion.
Late last night, Zarah Sultana dramatically announced she was leaving the Labour Party—and not just that—she also declared she’d be co-leading a brand-new political party alongside none other than Jeremy Corbyn.
But the plot twist? Corbyn reportedly had no idea that was coming.
Zarah Sultana Quits Labour and Claims Leadership Role
Sultana, a staunch pro-Palestinian MP and long-time critic of Keir Starmer, had already been sitting as an independent after losing the Labour whip.
Now, she’s made it official—she’s out of Labour completely.
In a social media post, she announced:
“Jeremy Corbyn and I will co-lead the founding of a new party, with other independent MPs, campaigners and activists across the country.”
She argued that the current two-party system is failing the British public, calling it “managed decline and broken promises,” and used the opportunity to highlight her past stands on issues like the two-child benefit cap and winter fuel payments.
Jeremy Corbyn “Bewildered” by Sultana’s Move
While Sultana was making headlines, Jeremy Corbyn appeared to be caught off guard.
According to insiders, he was “furious and bewildered” by her sudden declaration that they’d be co-leaders of this yet-unnamed party.
Eventually, Corbyn weighed in with a measured response, acknowledging Sultana’s “principled decision” but stopping short of confirming her co-leadership.
Instead, he said “discussions are ongoing” and welcomed her involvement in helping “build a real alternative.”
No Name, No Structure—Just Growing Frustration
So far, the new party doesn’t even have a confirmed name.
Among the options being floated are “Real Change” and “Peace and Justice Project.”
But beyond that, little else is clear.
Corbyn, who’s been sitting as an independent MP since his suspension from Labour over his handling of antisemitism allegations, has been suggesting for a while that a new party is on the horizon.
Polls even hint that such a movement could scoop up to 10% of the left-leaning vote—potentially dealing a blow to Labour’s base.
Corbyn Says Change Is Coming—But Offers Few Details
Speaking earlier this week, Corbyn expressed confidence in a political shift.
“There is a thirst among people for an alternative view,” he told ITV’s Peston.
He also made it clear he’s working with grassroots groups around the country to build a political force focused on “poverty, inequality and peace.”
He didn’t quite confirm he would lead the party but made it clear he was ready to “serve the people” in whatever capacity he could.
Sultana Stands by Her Voting Record
In her resignation post, Sultana proudly highlighted the votes that led to her Labour suspension.
“I voted to lift 400,000 children out of poverty. I’d do it again,” she wrote.
“I voted against scrapping winter fuel payments for pensioners. I’d do it again.”
She also slammed the current government’s approach to disability support, accusing them of infighting over “how much” suffering to impose.
The Left Faces an Identity Crisis
This messy rollout of what could have been a significant moment in UK politics exposes the challenges of organizing the fractured British left.
While both Corbyn and Sultana clearly want to challenge the status quo, a lack of communication and planning has muddied the launch.
With no confirmed leadership structure, no official name, and no united front, the new party risks losing momentum before it even gets off the ground.
What’s Next for the New Movement?
Despite the rocky sta
rt, both Corbyn and Sultana insist the public is hungry for something different. And if they can iron out their internal miscommunications, their new party could become a meaningful player in British politics—especially with many left-leaning voters feeling disillusioned by Labour under Starmer.
But as of now, it’s less of a revolution and more of a political cliffhanger.