Jeremy Corbyn confirms new UK pro-Palestine, left-wing party in works after Zarah Sultana quits Labour amid Gaza anger

Jeremy Corbyn confirmed on Friday that a new party is in the works after MP Zarah Sultana announced her intention to co-lead the founding of a new party with the pro-Palestine MP, as well as announcing her exit from the governing Labour Party.

Sultana made headlines on Thursday night after announcing her exit from Labour, the party Corbyn once led, following disagreements over leader Keir Starmer's handling of the Gaza war and benefit cuts.

Although Corbyn was mentioned in Sultana's statement, the Islington North MP remained quiet, leading to speculation that he was unaware of her announcement.

Finally, on Friday, the MP released a statement saying that "real change is coming" but still, "discussions are ongoing".

"The democratic foundations of a new kind of political party will soon take shape," Corbyn said.

Corbyn also congratulated Sultana on her "principled" decision to leave the party, being "delighted" that the MP will help build a "real alternative".

"I am excited to work alongside all communities to fight for the future people deserve," he said.

Sultana revealed that she will co-lead a new party, alongside other Independent MPs, campaigners, and activists across the country, although no further information on the group has emerged.

The prospect has delighted left-wing and pro-Palestine British people, hoping for a party to challenge the current Labour government.

"The truth is clear: this government is an active participant in genocide. And the British people oppose it," she said.

Sultana added that poverty had grown worse in the UK and claimed the government wanted to "make disabled people suffer", Sultana said in the statement.

According to Sunday Times Whitehall Editor Gabriel Pogrund, Corbyn was "furious and bewildered" at how the new party was announced without consultation, suggesting he had not agreed to co-lead it. The report was based on an unnamed source close to the former Labour leader.

Corbyn hints at a new party

In an interview with ITV's Peston earlier this week, Corbyn had appeared to hint at the possibility of forming a party.

When asked whether his alliance of left-leaning independents could become a formal political party, he said: "There is a thirst for an alternative view to be put. I'm working with all of those people. That grouping will come together."

He added: "There will be an alternative view… about a society that deals with poverty, inequality, and a foreign policy that's based on peace rather than war."

When asked if he would lead such a group, he replied: "I'm here to work", and said his aim was to "serve the people".

Fallout within Labour

Sultana's announcement comes amid heightened tensions within the Labour Party. Just days earlier, MPs voted to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. Nine Labour MPs, including Sultana, voted against the move.

According to PoliticsHome, some Labour MPs are now calling for those who voted against the motion to have the party whip removed.

Sultana and former shadow chancellor John McDonnell reportedly faced complaints over their comments during the debate, including Sultana's accusation that the government had "blood on its hands" over the Gaza war, and criticism of Labour MP Jon Pearce's ties to Labour Friends of Israel.

In response, Sultana told PoliticsHome: "It's telling that some Labour MPs are more focused on policing language than condemning the UK government's direct and ongoing role in the genocide in Gaza."

Sultana had previously been suspended from the Labour Party in July 2024 after voting, alongside six other MPs, to scrap the two-child benefit cap, defying the party line.

Both Sultana and Corbyn have been vocal critics of the UK government's military and political support for Israel during its war on Gaza.

Corbyn's Gaza Inquiry Bill, which will establish an independent inquiry into the UK's role in the conflict, is set to return to parliament on Friday.

The New Arab has contacted Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana for comment.