Zarah Sultana Seeks Legal Action After Bitter Clash with Jeremy Corbyn Over Party Membership Funds

Published: 20 September — The English Chronicle Desk | The English Chronicle Online

A fresh political storm has erupted within the newly launched movement informally known as “Your Party,” as Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana revealed that she has instructed specialist defamation lawyers following a high-profile clash with Jeremy Corbyn. The dispute, centred on the rollout of a paid membership system, has quickly escalated into a battle over credibility, control, and the future direction of the fledgling political organisation.

Sultana claimed she had been subjected to what she described as “politically motivated” and “baseless attacks” on her character, which she says are designed to undermine her position. In a strongly worded statement late on Friday, she announced that several false and defamatory allegations had been made against her regarding the management of party funds. She insisted that the membership portal in question was properly launched, compliant with the party’s roadmap, and that members’ data and financial contributions remained fully protected and ringfenced.

Her move came shortly after Corbyn urged supporters not to sign up through what he called a “supposed membership portal,” claiming that the launch was unauthorised and possibly unlawful. In a statement co-signed by four other independent MPs aligned with him, Corbyn said legal advice was being sought over the matter, deepening divisions between himself and his one-time political ally.

At the heart of the controversy lies a power struggle over the party’s internal structure and financial oversight. Sultana has openly criticised Karie Murphy, a long-time associate of Corbyn, for exercising what she views as excessive control over party funds and conference arrangements. She accused Murphy and her allies of undermining the democratic principles agreed upon at the party’s formation. Corbyn, however, came to Murphy’s defence during a speech at his Peace and Justice Project conference, offering rare personal praise and describing attacks on her as unwarranted and unfair.

The row has also exposed deeper fractures. Sultana has suggested that her treatment reflects a “sexist boys’ club” atmosphere within the party’s leadership, pointing to her exclusion from decision-making processes. In her view, launching the membership portal was a necessary step to safeguard grassroots involvement and maintain momentum at a critical stage for the new movement. She urged supporters to sign up, insisting the system was both legitimate and secure.

Corbyn and his allies took a very different position, claiming that the unauthorised email inviting people to join and contribute funds raised serious legal and regulatory questions. The party has since reported the issue to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office, citing concerns about data handling and the need to uphold its legal responsibilities to supporters. This move added further fuel to the controversy, as it implied possible breaches of trust within the party’s upper ranks.

Underlying these disputes is the struggle to define what “Your Party” represents. The group has yet to settle on an official name or convene its first annual conference. Sultana has pushed for rapid expansion and grassroots mobilisation, recently claiming that more than 750,000 supporters have signed up. Corbyn, meanwhile, appears to be urging caution, focusing on maintaining control and avoiding missteps that could weaken the party before it gains a firm foothold in the UK’s political landscape.

The clash has also drawn in other figures, including independent MP Adnan Hussain, with whom Sultana is reported to have disagreed over sensitive issues such as transgender rights. These internal divisions threaten to overshadow the broader aims of the movement at a time when it is seeking to establish credibility and attract wider public support.

Observers note that Corbyn rarely involves himself in personal disputes to the extent he has here, highlighting the seriousness with which he views the situation. By contrast, Sultana’s legal action signals her determination to protect both her reputation and her political vision for the party.

As the feud deepens, the stakes for the new movement grow higher. Questions remain over whether these internal disputes will derail the project before it has a chance to solidify or whether, once resolved, they will ultimately strengthen its commitment to democratic values and accountability. For now, the public clash between Corbyn and Sultana represents not only a test of personalities but also a critical moment in shaping the future of a political experiment that has yet to find its true identity.