LONDON — July 5, 2025 (Reuters):
Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has confirmed he is in active discussions to launch a new political party in the UK, citing the current Labour government’s failure to bring the transformative change voters had anticipated.

In a post on social media platform X, Corbyn said the foundation of a “new kind of political party” was taking shape. He criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration for what he called a betrayal of public trust, stating, “The Labour government has refused to deliver the change people expected and deserved.”

The move marks a significant challenge to Labour from the left, as discontent grows within its traditional voter base. Corbyn, who led the party from 2015 to 2019, is known for championing socialist policies and a strong anti-austerity stance. His leadership era saw ambitious proposals for nationalization and sweeping social reforms, but his time at the helm ended in 2019 after Labour suffered its worst election defeat since 1935.

Corbyn was later suspended in 2020 and expelled from the party following a report into the handling of antisemitism allegations during his tenure.

Fractures on the Left

The prospect of a new party comes at a time when Labour is under pressure both from within and from external political forces. The past week has been particularly bruising for Starmer’s government, which was forced to retreat from key welfare reform pledges, causing further strain on its credibility and budget plans.

Adding to the momentum of Corbyn’s new political effort, Labour MP Zarah Sultana announced she was quitting the party and would be joining Corbyn in the formation of the new left-wing platform.

On Friday, Corbyn praised Sultana’s decision, calling it “principled” and expressing his excitement to work with her and others in building “a real alternative.”

A New Threat to Labour?

Polling data suggests that Corbyn’s potential new party could draw meaningful support. A recent survey by More In Common found that such a party could claim around 10% of the vote, potentially reducing Labour’s already slipping share from 23% to 20%. The same poll found that when asked to name Labour’s biggest accomplishment since taking office, the most common voter response was simply: “nothing.”

Since its decisive victory over the Conservatives in last year’s general election, Labour’s approval ratings have steadily declined. Prime Minister Starmer is now facing growing challenges from both the left and the right—particularly from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, which continues to gain traction among disillusioned voters.

Corbyn’s Return

Now serving as an independent MP, Corbyn appears to be leveraging mounting public dissatisfaction to stage a political comeback—this time outside the Labour structure.

He framed the new movement as a grassroots-driven initiative, saying, “I am excited to work alongside all communities to fight for the future people deserve.”

While details about the party’s name, structure, or leadership team remain under wraps, insiders suggest an official announcement could be made in the coming weeks.

With Britain’s traditional two-party dominance already under strain, Corbyn’s return to the political stage could further reshape the country’s electoral landscape—this time from the left.