STORY
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has officially launched a new political party, aiming to challenge the established political landscape and offer a “real alternative” for voters. However, the announcement was immediately met with confusion regarding the party’s actual name, a detail that appears to be still under wraps. Corbyn, who now sits as an independent MP for Islington North, made the announcement alongside fellow independent MP Zarah Sultana. In a joint statement, they declared it was “time for a new kind of political party” rooted in communities, trade unions, and social movements, advocating for a “mass redistribution of wealth and power” and a commitment to a “free and independent Palestine.”
Despite the bold declaration of intent, the party’s official designation remained unclear. While a website, yourparty.uk, was promoted for sign-ups, Ms Sultana quickly took to social media to clarify, stating unequivocally: “It’s not called Your Party!” Sources close to Mr Corbyn later indicated that ‘Your Party’ was merely an interim name, intended to kickstart the democratic founding process, with the formal name to be decided in consultation with new members at an inaugural conference. Mr Corbyn himself, when pressed on the name, suggested the response rate for suggestions had been “massive” with “500 a minute wanting to support and join the new party.”
This naming ambiguity has led to a flurry of comments and light-hearted mockery from political observers and rival parties. Nevertheless, Mr Corbyn insisted the launch was “not messy at all” and represented a “totally coherent approach” to building a grassroots, democratic movement. The formation of this new left-wing party is expected to create a fresh challenge for the Labour Party, particularly under current leader Keir Starmer, who has faced criticism from the left of his party on issues such as welfare policy and the conflict in Gaza.