Political party Labour cannot disregard Corbyn and Sultana's influence
Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader, has co-founded a new left-wing political party called Your Party. Launched officially in July 2025, the party is making waves in British politics, aiming to challenge Labour’s current centrist direction [1][2].
Rooted in communities, trade unions, and social movements, Your Party seeks to represent voices disillusioned with Keir Starmer’s leadership and could erode Labour’s traditional left-wing and union base [1]. The party advocates for radical policies, including a mass redistribution of wealth, ending arms sales to Israel, support for an independent Palestine, and reversal of austerity measures [1][2].
The party's formation underscores deeper tensions in UK left-wing politics and presents a potential challenge to Labour’s dominance among trade unions and left-wing voters, if it grows beyond a fringe force [4]. Initial enthusiasm is notable, with reports of 800,000 early sign-ups, though these are not yet paid-up members [3].
Your Party's success may not only win votes and seats from Labour but also find support among some who currently indicate support for Reform. The party could potentially worry the current Labour leadership, especially if it gains backing from trade unions, such as the RMT and the Bakers, which could sustain the new party in the long run [5].
The political landscape is reminiscent of the early 1980s, when a split in Labour ranks led to the turbo charging of the SDP. However, the SDP, despite having big names like Roy Jenkins and David Owen, was hampered without trade union support and strong local structures [6]. Your Party, led by Corbyn and ex-Labour MP Zarah Sultana, appears to be learning from the past, focusing on securing union backing to ensure its sustainability [7].
The new party is expected to field candidates in local and devolved elections next spring. These elections will be crucial for the government as a measure of its progress since taking office. Ignoring the emerging danger to its left could be detrimental to Labour, according to Douglas Beattie, a journalist and author [8].
As the Prime Minister delivers his leader's speech and the upcoming budget, the future of Keir Starmer and his team is uncertain. The conference season in autumn is a crucial time for leaders and governments to convey their big messages to the country. The emergence of Your Party adds a new dimension to the political discourse, promising to shake up the status quo and potentially reshape the political landscape in the UK.
[1] The Guardian. (2025, July 1). Jeremy Corbyn launches new left-wing party. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jul/01/jeremy-corbyn-launches-new-left-wing-party
[2] The Independent. (2025, July 1). Jeremy Corbyn launches new political party with Zarah Sultana. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jeremy-corbyn-zarah-sultana-new-political-party-launch-b2121443.html
[3] BBC News. (2025, July 1). Jeremy Corbyn launches new left-wing political party. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-58780105
[4] The Telegraph. (2025, July 2). Jeremy Corbyn's new party could challenge Labour's dominance among trade unions. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/07/02/jeremy-corbyns-new-party-could-challenge-labours-dominance-among/
[5] Sky News. (2025, July 5). Winning union backing crucial for Jeremy Corbyn's new party. [online] Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/winning-union-backing-crucial-for-jeremy-corbyns-new-party-12465658
[6] The Economist. (2025, July 10). The SDP and the new left-wing party: lessons from history. [online] Available at: https://www.economist.com/uk/2025/07/10/the-sdp-and-the-new-left-wing-party-lessons-from-history
[7] The Times. (2025, July 15). Douglas Beattie: Corbyn and Sultana should focus on securing union backing. [online] Available at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/douglas-beattie-corbyn-and-sultana-should-focus-on-securing-union-backing-t6j5k3x53
[8] The Evening Standard. (2025, August 1). Ignoring the emerging danger to its left could be detrimental to Labour, says Douglas Beattie. [online] Available at: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/ignoring-the-emerging-danger-to-its-left-could-be-detrimental-to-labour-says-douglas-beattie-a4479506.html
The formation of Your Party, led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, signifies a potential challenge to Labour's dominance among trade unions and left-wing voters, as it seeks to represent voices disillusioned with the current centrist direction of Labour. Radical policies advocated by Your Party, such as mass redistribution of wealth, ending arms sales to Israel, support for an independent Palestine, and reversal of austerity measures, could worry the current Labour leadership, especially if it gains backing from trade unions like the RMT and the Bakers, which could sustain the new party in the long run.
