Thursday Night Shockwave
At exactly 8pm last Thursday, Britain’s political landscape trembled. Zarah Sultana, the fiery young MP, announced plans to launch a brand-new left-wing party — and she brought Jeremy Corbyn along for the ride.
Within hours, her website crashed under an avalanche of sign-ups. The message was clear: Britain’s left is desperate for a new home.
Poll Puts Corbyn in the Mix
A YouGov poll from July 2024 shows 18% of voters would back a Corbyn-led left-wing party, placing it behind Labour (30%), Lib Dems (28%), and Reform UK (28%) (YouGov, 2024). But insiders say it’s enough to “cause chaos” in key marginals.
Starmer’s Sinking Ship
Why now? Keir Starmer’s ratings are in freefall. Labour is tearing itself apart over welfare cuts. The ban on Palestine Action has enraged activists. Meanwhile, Reform UK’s surge proves the public is open to outsiders.
Corbyn Keeps Quiet
But Corbyn himself has fuelled confusion. He waited hours to respond, then issued a flat statement: “Discussions are ongoing.”
Supporters are now left wondering: is he truly back, or just a figurehead?
Three Rebel Factions Emerge
Behind the scenes, three factions are shaping this rebellion:
- Collective, the Corbynista outfit led by Karie Murphy and Pamela Fitzpatrick.
- Majority, Jamie Driscoll’s grassroots movement pushing for council victories before Parliament seats.
- Independent Alliance MPs, who won on pro-Gaza platforms after leaving Labour.
Leadership War Looms
Who leads – Corbyn or Sultana? Should they build local first or launch a national blitz? Even how policies are made — old party structures or radical assemblies — is sparking division.
Corbyn’s Baggage Returns
While Corbyn guarantees headlines, his baggage worries many. As Independent Alliance MP Shockat Adam bluntly said: “If it’s just Corbyn, it’s not new.”
Can They Pull It Off?
With unions wary and factions fractious, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This new party could revitalise Britain’s left.
