Zarah Sultana Leaving Labour to Form Party with Jeremy Corbyn

Ex-Labour MP Zarah Sultana has announced her resignation from the party, revealing plans to establish a new party alongside former leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Sultana, the Coventry South MP who lost the Labour whip last year for supporting the removal of the two-child benefit cap, stated that the new party would be formed with other independent MPs and activists to challenge the current Westminster system.

Corbyn has not confirmed his involvement in the new party to the BBC but hinted at the possibility of forming a new party during an interview with ITV's Peston, mentioning a growing desire for an alternative political option.

In a social media post, Sultana criticized the government's actions in Gaza, citing reasons such as rising poverty, welfare policies, and the cost of living for establishing the new party.

Israel has denied accusations of genocide in Gaza, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer describing the situation as "appalling and intolerable" and calling for a ceasefire.

Sultana also criticized the government's welfare bill, accusing them of wanting to make disabled people suffer. She emphasized the need for change and highlighted the choice between socialism and barbarism in the upcoming election.

A Labour Party spokesperson responded to Sultana's resignation, highlighting the government's achievements in the past year and emphasizing Labour's ability to bring about necessary change.

Yvette Cooper and Alastair Campbell expressed differing views on Sultana's resignation, with Cooper defending the government's actions and Campbell questioning Labour's response to current challenges.

Sultana, who was elected as a Labour MP in 2024 but later suspended, has remained in the Commons as an independent. Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, also an independent, expressed regret over Sultana's departure from Labour.

Corbyn, along with four other pro-Gaza MPs, has formed an alliance in the House of Commons, focusing on peace rather than war and advocating for an alternative political approach.