Corbyn and Sultana Gear Up for New Party Membership Launch Amid Lingering Tensions

Published: 23 September ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk

Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana are preparing for a renewed attempt to launch memberships for their nascent political party this week, though reports indicate the effort will proceed without a joint public statement or a fully unified message. According to sources close to the situation, the two leaders have maintained lines of communication following a dramatic reversal by Sultana, who last Sunday night called off planned legal action and acknowledged that prior public disputes had left supporters feeling “demoralised.”

While relations between Corbyn and Sultana remain courteous, insiders note that Corbyn continues to feel a “complete lack of trust” toward the Coventry South MP. This marks the second instance in which Sultana has acted independently, following the launch of a membership portal without party authorisation last week, an episode that exposed underlying tensions within the group.

Despite these challenges, sources indicate that Corbyn and Sultana had a brief meeting in the corridors of parliament prior to the latest disagreements. Observers suggest that while Corbyn may eventually move past the dispute, the public nature of the arguments has caused considerable distress among party affiliates, highlighting the fragile state of internal relations. Meanwhile, supporters of Sultana reportedly remain hopeful that a complete de-escalation is possible over time.

The initial membership portal attracted at least 20,000 supporters, each paying £55 for full membership. Corbyn, along with the other Independent Alliance MPs – Shockat Adam, Ayoub Khan, Adnan Hussain, and Iqbal Mohamed – condemned the system as a “false membership process,” advising supporters to disregard emails from the portal and to cancel any payments made.

Sultana defended her actions, accusing the party of being dominated by a “sexist boys’ club” and alleging that a “paranoid anti-democratic faction” sought to exclude her from key decision-making processes. Her allies further claimed that a rival membership system was being developed to channel funds into a company under the control of certain party figures, singling out Corbyn’s long-time associate Karie Murphy for scrutiny.

Corbyn rejected these accusations, asserting that Sultana had not been excluded from discussions and remained part of a process “rooted in inclusivity and mutual respect,” as reflected in a joint statement co-signed by all Independent Alliance MPs.

While tensions remain over the establishment of democratic principles for “Your Party” and the planning of its founding conference, there appears to be a shared determination to move forward with the membership launch and advance the party’s creation. Sources suggest that Sultana is actively working to rebuild trust with Corbyn and is committed to ensuring the founding conference proceeds on schedule.

Following the withdrawal of plans to instruct “specialist defamation lawyers” regarding statements made about her in connection with the initial membership portal, Sultana’s supporters had hoped for a show of unity, though the probability of full reconciliation remains low.

The initial public row has also intensified strains among all MPs involved, with the four Independent Alliance MPs reportedly upset by Sultana’s series of posts. Sources indicate that her characterization of the party environment as a “sexist boys’ club” has triggered a surge in racist and Islamophobic abuse directed at them online, with one MP noting that even his daughter has been targeted.

Despite the ongoing disagreements, all parties emphasize that the founding conference will determine the party’s constitution, leadership, and policy through a one-member-one-vote process, with MPs acting as overseers rather than decision-makers. This framework is intended to ensure that the new political entity develops with democratic legitimacy rather than through centralized control.

Observers note that this second membership launch is expected to be conducted in a lower-profile and lower-stakes manner, helping the movement to move past the turbulence of its initial launch and establish a more stable foundation for growth. While challenges remain, the leadership appears cautiously optimistic that the party can recover from its chaotic start and build momentum toward a structured and participatory political organisation.

As the launch unfolds this week, attention will remain on how Corbyn and Sultana navigate both public perception and internal cohesion. Their ability to present a credible and united front could prove crucial in attracting wider support and in setting the tone for the party’s foundational period. Analysts suggest that the success of this second attempt at membership registration may play a decisive role in shaping the party’s early reputation and determining the level of engagement from potential supporters.

The coming days will be a test not only of leadership coordination but also of the broader strategy to establish democratic governance, restore trust among party members, and ensure that the new political initiative begins on a more disciplined and credible footing. Sources close to the leadership remain hopeful that, despite the setbacks, the party can now consolidate its support base and move toward a more coherent public identity, marking a new chapter for the Independent Alliance and its allied members.