Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn Reunite Amid New Party Plans

Published: 11 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Zarah Sultana has confirmed that she and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn have patched up their turbulent working relationship within a new left-wing political project, comparing their reunion to the famously feuding Gallagher brothers. Speaking at The World Transformed political festival in Manchester, Sultana emphasised that the duo are ready to collaborate, despite previous disagreements that had cast doubt over the organisation, still informally referred to as Your Party.

“Obviously you’ve all seen what’s happened over the past few weeks, but I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road,” said Sultana, the Coventry South MP who was elected as a Labour representative but now sits as an independent. Addressing the Manchester crowd, she joked about the city’s most famous musical siblings. “I know that I’m in Manchester, so I have to reference Liam and Noel Gallagher. If they can do it, of course me and Jeremy can.”

Sultana added a tongue-in-cheek observation about football allegiances: “The only difference between us is that Jeremy still thinks Arsenal are going to win the Premier League, and we know that they will always come second place with a second-place trophy.” Her remarks signalled a return to camaraderie after a public rift over the organisation and funding of the new political initiative.

The status of the new party has been uncertain for several weeks following a bitter dispute between Sultana and Corbyn over its structure and financing. The disagreement peaked when Sultana revealed she had consulted defamation lawyers after a very public clash with Corbyn regarding her decision to establish a paid membership system for the party. Corbyn criticised the payment platform, describing it as a “false membership system” that collected funds and personal data without proper authorisation. He stated that he had reported the matter to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Sultana responded by alleging that she had been sidelined by what she described as a “sexist boys’ club” comprising Corbyn and four pro-Gaza independent MPs. However, she quickly stepped back from the threat of legal action, confirming that discussions with Corbyn were underway and expressing a desire to reconcile. The shift was seen as a pivotal moment in stabilising the party’s internal dynamics and maintaining momentum for its launch.

A subsequent video message from Corbyn to a mailing list of 750,000 people interested in the party reflected the attempt at reconciliation. In the video, Corbyn apologised for the earlier internal tensions but made no direct reference to Sultana, who appeared only briefly on screen. The message highlighted the delicate balancing act within the party, seeking to reassure supporters without dwelling on personal disputes.

The World Transformed festival, which historically ran alongside the Labour Party conference, was held this year after the Labour event concluded in Liverpool. Alongside Corbyn and Sultana, Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, also attended. Sultana has been previously linked with the Greens, and Polanski used his speech to criticise Labour under Keir Starmer, warning that the party would “hand this country on a plate” to political rivals such as Nigel Farage.

Speaking at the event, Sultana sharply criticised Farage, accusing him of exploiting racial tensions as a distraction from broader socio-economic issues. “The truth is, Reform is just another wing of the political establishment,” she said. “Funded by billionaires and aristocrats, fronted by a millionaire stockbroker, an ex-public schoolboy, Nigel Farage. He is peddling racism to distract us from the real agenda: more privatisation, more deregulation, more handouts for the rich, more cuts for everyone else.” Her remarks underscored the ideological positioning of Corbyn and Sultana’s new venture as distinctly anti-establishment and grassroots-focused.

Corbyn emphasised that the party would seek to collaborate with like-minded organisations, including the Greens and various local independent groups. “There are going to be opportunities and points where we need to work with the Greens,” he said. “There may be points where sometimes we don’t agree with the Greens. So we have our identity, we have our principles, and we have our position, but we’re anxious to make progress in our society, and that will mean working with a lot of different people – nothing wrong in that.”

The political reunion between Sultana and Corbyn highlights the challenges of establishing a new left-wing party outside the traditional structures of Labour. Their efforts to reconcile differences and present a united front suggest a focus on pragmatism, while still adhering to the progressive and grassroots principles that initially motivated the party’s formation. Both figures appear determined to avoid further public disputes, signalling to supporters that the initiative is now on a more stable footing.

The earlier tensions had raised questions over the governance and transparency of the emerging organisation. Sultana’s proposal for a paid membership system, which Corbyn initially criticised, was intended to secure sustainable funding and formalise membership, but it also became a flashpoint for accusations of mismanagement and lack of consent. Her decision to consult lawyers reflected the seriousness of the dispute, highlighting the delicate nature of internal party negotiations in new political movements.

Despite the initial public fallout, the two leaders now seem committed to collaboration. Their reunion carries symbolic weight, particularly as both have high profiles in the UK political landscape. Corbyn’s extensive experience as Labour leader and Sultana’s position as a younger, progressive MP provide complementary strengths in mobilising grassroots support and navigating the challenges of forming a new party. Their ability to work together, despite previous clashes, may be crucial to the party’s ability to establish itself and gain traction among voters seeking alternatives to the mainstream political options.

The World Transformed festival itself represents a platform for progressive voices to engage with activists, policy experts, and the public. By choosing this venue to announce the reconciliation, Sultana and Corbyn demonstrated an awareness of the festival’s symbolic and strategic significance. It also allowed them to signal to supporters that the party remains committed to its ideals while working through internal disputes in a professional and constructive manner.

Sultana’s and Corbyn’s remarks at the event underline the continued relevance of left-wing political activism in the UK, particularly at a time when mainstream parties face criticism for perceived detachment from grassroots concerns. Their reference to cultural touchstones, such as the Gallagher brothers and football rivalries, provided a relatable and engaging way to communicate with audiences, blending political messaging with humour and personality.

The new party’s relationship with existing political entities, particularly the Greens, will be a key factor in its development. Corbyn’s comments on collaboration reflect a pragmatic approach to coalition-building and strategic alliances, acknowledging that shared goals may require compromise and dialogue with other progressive forces. This willingness to engage with other groups while maintaining distinct identity and principles could position the party as a credible alternative for voters seeking a more radical, socially conscious political platform.

In conclusion, the reunion of Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn signals a renewed focus on collaboration and unity within their new left-wing party. By resolving prior disputes and presenting a united front, they aim to consolidate support, strengthen internal governance, and position the party as a serious contender in the UK’s evolving political landscape. Their ability to balance ideological commitment with pragmatic cooperation will likely define the early success and credibility of this emerging political force.