Zarah Sultana Calls Off Legal Action Amid Party Feud with Jeremy Corbyn

Published: 22 September ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana has announced that she will drop legal proceedings following a public dispute with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn over the leadership and direction of the nascent political party they had planned to co-lead. The announcement comes after weeks of tension surrounding the party’s membership system and internal communications, which had prompted concerns among supporters about division and mismanagement.

Sultana acknowledged that the disagreement had left many members feeling “demoralised” and said she was committed to reconciliation. Speaking through a statement posted on X on Sunday, she emphasised her determination to move forward for the sake of the party and its supporters. “For the sake of the party, and as an act of good faith, I will not be pursuing legal proceedings despite the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations against me,” she wrote.

She highlighted that her motivation throughout had been to strengthen the movement collectively, prioritise members, and build a genuinely democratic socialist party. “I know many people are feeling demoralised – I share that feeling. We find ourselves in a regrettable situation, but my motivation has always been to ensure the collective strength of our movement, put members first and build the genuinely democratic conference and socialist party we so urgently need,” Sultana added. She also confirmed that she was engaged in ongoing discussions with Corbyn to resolve differences, expressing respect for the former Labour leader.

The legal threat arose after Sultana instructed specialist defamation lawyers, citing “false and defamatory statements” concerning the launch of a paid membership system for the party, Your Party, which she co-founded. The controversy intensified when Corbyn publicly disavowed a message sent to supporters encouraging them to register through the new system, labelling it an “unauthorised email.”

Sultana described feeling sidelined and excluded from key decisions by Corbyn and other independent MPs, including Ayoub Khan, Adnan Hussain, Iqbal Mohamed, and Shockat Adam. “Unfortunately I have been subjected to what can only be described as a sexist boys’ club: I have been treated appallingly and excluded completely,” she said, referencing her frustrations with the internal dynamics of the emerging party.

Corbyn had previously advised supporters not to use the purported membership portal, noting that legal advice was being sought regarding its operation. The public dispute represents the latest episode in a series of disagreements between Sultana and Corbyn over the structure, strategy, and leadership of the party, which has yet to hold its first annual conference or adopt an official name.

Despite the tensions, Sultana emphasised that the party continues to gain traction, claiming that over 750,000 supporters have signed up since its launch in July. Her departure from Labour last year, along with six other MPs who were suspended for voting to remove the two-child benefit cap, set the stage for the formation of the new political organisation. Sultana’s move reflected a broader ambition to create a platform she described as more democratic, inclusive, and responsive to members’ concerns.

The decision to call off legal action is expected to reduce public scrutiny and provide an opportunity for party leaders to focus on organisational development and policy priorities rather than internal disputes. Observers suggest that resolving these conflicts amicably will be critical for maintaining momentum and credibility among supporters, especially as the party seeks to establish itself in the UK’s political landscape.

Sultana’s announcement signals a willingness to prioritise collaboration over confrontation, aiming to bridge gaps with Corbyn and other senior figures in the movement. While the party’s future direction remains under discussion, the decision to step back from litigation may also reassure potential members and political allies that internal divisions can be managed constructively.

As the party continues to expand its membership base, the challenge for Sultana and Corbyn will be to translate enthusiasm into effective governance structures and policy platforms. Their ability to reconcile differences and present a united front could determine the party’s prospects in upcoming elections and its long-term influence within British politics.