Just when Labour hoped to stay focused on its post-election agenda, an unexpected move has thrown the left into a whirlwind.
Zarah Sultana, known for her strong pro-Palestinian stance and vocal criticism of Keir Starmer, has quit the Labour Party—and she’s not going quietly.
She announced she’s teaming up with Jeremy Corbyn to co-lead a brand new political movement.
But there’s just one small problem: Corbyn didn’t seem to get the memo.
Zarah Sultana Makes Her Move, but Catches Corbyn Off Guard
Late last night, Sultana posted a bold statement online, confirming she was leaving Labour and would be helping to launch a new left-wing party.
Her words were confident and definitive: she and Jeremy Corbyn would be “co-leading” this new project alongside other independents and campaigners.
However, behind the scenes, sources say Corbyn was “furious and bewildered” by the sudden announcement.
While he’s been open about exploring the idea of forming a new party, he apparently wasn’t expecting Sultana to jump ahead and label herself co-leader before anything was finalized.
Corbyn’s Cautious Response and Ongoing Discussions
By the afternoon, Corbyn did break his silence—but with noticeably careful wording.
He confirmed that discussions were “ongoing” and that Sultana would help build “a new alternative.”
Still, he stopped short of endorsing her leadership role, adding to the growing sense of confusion.
There’s still no official name for the new party.
Two options reportedly being floated are “Real Change” and “Peace and Justice Project,” the latter being closely tied to Corbyn’s own long-standing campaign initiative.
Left-Wing Voters Might Be Ready for Something New
Despite the messy rollout, there’s data suggesting that Corbyn’s new movement could draw significant support.
Polls indicate it could attract up to 10 percent of the left-wing vote—a figure large enough to shake Labour’s foundations if the group manages to organize quickly and unify its messaging.
In an interview this week, Corbyn described a “thirst” for alternatives in British politics, highlighting what he sees as public dissatisfaction with both major parties.
Sultana Doubles Down on Her Political Beliefs
In her resignation post, Sultana didn’t hold back.
She framed her decision as standing up for real people, referencing her suspension from Labour last year after voting to scrap the two-child benefit cap.
That vote, she pointed out, could have lifted 400,000 children out of poverty.
“I’d do it again,” she wrote bluntly. She also defended her past opposition to cutting winter fuel payments for pensioners and criticized the government’s current plans to reform disability benefits, accusing them of trying to make vulnerable people suffer.
Corbyn Pushes Forward With His Vision for a New Party
On Wednesday’s episode of Peston, Corbyn made it clear that he’s working with activists and community groups across the country.
Without naming names, he said a new party is definitely in the works—one focused on combating poverty, inequality, and promoting a peaceful foreign policy.
When asked directly whether he wanted to lead the new group, Corbyn gave a typically understated response: “I’m here to work.
I’m here to serve the people in the way I’ve always tried to do.”
What Comes Next?
It’s clear the political landscape on the left is shifting.
But whether this new party can launch successfully, settle internal leadership questions, and truly challenge Labour remains to be seen.
For now, Sultana and Corbyn have put the wheels in motion—ready or not.