Jeremy Corbyn has joined forces with ex Labour MP Zarah Sultana to form a new political party.
The former Labour leader – who earlier this month appeared to have been blindsided by the announcement of a new party by Ms Sultana – said it was “time for a new political party”.
In a post on X, he co-signed a statement with Ms Sultana, the independent MP for Coventry South, urging people to sign up at www.yourparty.uk.
However, despite the website name, a source close to Mr Corbyn told Sky News Your Party was being used on an interim basis to “kickstart the democratic founding process of a party that belongs to the people” and that the formal name was still to be decided.
In the statement the two former Labour MPs said: “Our movement is made up of people of all faiths and none. The great dividers want you to think that the problems in our society are caused by migrants or refugees. They’re not.
“They are caused by an economic system that protects the interests of corporations and billionaires. It is ordinary people who create the wealth – and it is ordinary people who have the power to put it back where it belongs.”
They added: “It’s time for a new kind of political party. One that is rooted in our communities, trade unions and social movements. One that builds power in all regions and nations. One that belongs to you.”
Sky News understands an inaugural party conference – where members will decide the party’s “direction, the model of leadership and the policies that are needed to transform society” – could possibly take place in the autumn, when the three main parties also hold their annual gatherings around the country.
The confirmation of a new left-wing party will create a fresh headache for Sir Keir Starmer, who will be challenged by his predecessor over his policy stances on Gaza, welfare, taxes on the wealthy and the environment.
The prime minister is already facing unhappiness in his party over the government’s handling of welfare cuts, which resulted in him having to water down his flagship bill to prevent a mass rebellion.
In the end, he suspended four of his own MPs for voting against the government in the tense vote, while he stripped a further three of their roles as trade envoys.
Earlier this month, Ms Sultana, who was suspended last year alongside six other Labour MPs for voting to scrap the two-child benefit cap, announced she was quitting Labour to set up a new political party with Mr Corbyn.
However, the announcement appeared to have caught the Islington North MP off guard, as he only confirmed that discussions were “ongoing”.
A source close to Mr Corbyn told Sky News: “Both Jeremy and Zarah are very excited to work together and these things take time to make sure we can bring everyone with us.”
A Labour source said: “The electorate has twice given its verdict on a Jeremy Corbyn led party.”
