Ex-Labour MP Zarah Sultana has made serious allegations against Jeremy Corbyn, claiming he led a “sexist boys’ club” that sidelined her in the formation of a new left-wing party. This party was announced earlier this year, but Sultana says she felt excluded from key decisions that she was supposed to be part of.
In a recent social media statement, Sultana expressed her frustration about being overlooked by the party’s working group. This came after supporters received an email offering £55 memberships, which Corbyn later called “unauthorized,” stating he would consult lawyers about it.
Sultana emphasized that she had set up the membership site to encourage grassroots participation, claiming over 20,000 people signed up the morning it launched. This could have generated over £1 million in just hours. She stated her goal has always been to ensure the party reflects the voices of its members.
Her statement highlighted what she feels is a lack of gender balance within the party’s leadership, as she claims there are no other women with voting rights in the working group, contradicting prior commitments to inclusivity.
Corbyn, on the other hand, issued a separate statement, signed by other founding members, which notably left Sultana’s name out. They urged supporters to disregard the previous email and to cancel any new membership payments.
Sultana has called for transparency from Corbyn, especially regarding financial control over membership funds, which she says are currently in the hands of a few individuals. She believes that openness is crucial for restoring trust among members.
The disagreement has spurred mixed reactions on social media. Some supporters of the new party are feeling discouraged by this rift, with some left-wing commentators warning that ongoing disputes may push potential members toward other political options, like the Greens.
This division isn’t the first for the group, which remains unnamed and has yet to hold an annual conference. Sultana’s departure from Labour and the announcement of forming a new party with Corbyn came as a surprise to many, including those involved.
Despite the rocky start, the party, operating under the temporary label “Your Party,” has gained considerable traction, boasting over 750,000 supporters. Recent communications indicate that full membership will launch soon, along with policy drafts that will be put to a vote in coming months, leading to a founding conference in November.
As the political landscape shifts, the challenge now lies in overcoming internal conflicts and uniting supporters under a clear vision.
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