MP Zarah Sultana to 'co-lead' new party after leaving Labour for Corbyn's group

MP Zarah Sultana, who was suspended from the Labour party, has announced her resignation to join Jeremy Corbyn’s Independent Alliance. Sultana, representing Coventry South, stated her intention to help establish a new party, despite details like timing and leadership not being finalized yet.

The announcement by Sultana, 31, came as a surprise to some within the Independent Alliance, revealing disagreements over strategy. While Corbyn has hinted at creating a more organized platform for left-wing and pro-Palestinian advocacy, he has not confirmed any formal structure or leadership roles.

Corbyn, aged 76, has not committed to turning the project into a party or endorsed specific leadership positions. He expressed frustration over Sultana's premature announcement, fearing it could be counterproductive. He emphasized the need for caution and did not provide further specifics about the group's plans.

Sultana, who became an independent MP in September last year after losing the Labour whip, had her party membership suspended for voting against the two-child benefit cap. Corbyn, who led Labour from 2015 to 2020, retained his Islington North seat as an independent candidate after being suspended over his handling of the party's antisemitism report.

The Independent Alliance, which includes four other independent MPs, aims to provide an alternative to mainstream parties. Sultana's decision to leave Labour could impact the left-of-center vote and pose a challenge for Labour leader Starmer, who has positioned the party towards the political center.