The corridors of Westminster were buzzing with anticipation as Zarah Sultana, the outspoken MP for Coventry South, made a seismic announcement that sent shockwaves through British politics. On 3 July 2025, Sultana declared her resignation from the Labour Party after 14 years of membership, revealing plans to co-lead a new political party alongside former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
This dramatic development marks a pivotal moment in British politics, as one of the most recognisable faces of the left emerges from the shadow of suspension to forge an entirely new political path. Sultana’s decision represents more than just a personal career change—it signals a potential realignment of progressive politics in the UK.
The Final Straw: From Suspension to Separation
Zarah Sultana’s journey from Labour loyalist to political maverick began in July 2024, when she became one of seven MPs suspended from the parliamentary Labour Party for voting against the government’s two-child benefit cap. The suspension, initially set for six months, effectively left Sultana and her colleagues in political limbo, sitting as independent MPs whilst technically remaining Labour Party members.
The two-child benefit cap, introduced by the Conservative government in 2017, prevents families from claiming Universal Credit or child tax credit for more than two children born after April 2017. This policy affects approximately 1.5 million children across the UK, with families losing an average of £3,455 per year for each additional child. Despite mounting pressure to abolish the cap, which would lift an estimated 470,000 children out of poverty, the Labour government maintained the policy.
Sultana’s stance on the issue was unequivocal. Speaking after her suspension, she declared: “I’d do it again,” emphasising her commitment to lifting children out of poverty. Her rebellion against the party line demonstrated the depth of her conviction, even when faced with the prospect of political exile.
A Digital Pioneer in Westminster
What sets Zarah Sultana apart from many of her parliamentary colleagues is her mastery of social media, particularly TikTok, where she has amassed over 400,000 followers. This makes her the most followed British politician on the platform, outpacing even the Prime Minister. Her digital presence has been instrumental in reaching younger audiences and discussing political issues in accessible formats.
The 31-year-old MP’s approach to social media reflects a generational shift in political communication. Rather than relying solely on traditional media channels, Sultana has embraced platforms where young people congregate, sharing everything from parliamentary speeches to personal moments. Her TikTok success has earned her the nickname “TikTok Queen” among colleagues and demonstrates the evolving nature of political engagement in the digital age.
However, her high profile has come at a cost. Sultana receives more online abuse than any other MP, with threats targeting her identity as a young, Muslim, left-wing woman. The harassment has necessitated increased security measures and careful documentation of her movements, yet she remains undeterred in her political mission.
The Birth of a New Political Movement
The announcement of Sultana’s collaboration with Jeremy Corbyn represents the culmination of months of political maneuvering. Corbyn, who has sat as an independent MP since his expulsion from Labour in 2024, had been laying the groundwork for a new political alliance. The formation of the Independent Alliance in September 2024, comprising five MPs elected as independents, provided the foundation for this broader political project.
The Independent Alliance, which includes Corbyn alongside Shockat Adam, Ayoub Khan, Adnan Hussain, and Iqbal Mohamed, has already established itself as a significant force in Parliament. With five MPs, the group matches the size of Reform UK and the Democratic Unionist Party, making it the joint-fifth largest parliamentary grouping.
Sultana’s decision to join forces with Corbyn brings additional gravitas to the movement. Her resignation statement painted a picture of systemic failure in British politics, declaring: “Westminster is broken but the real crisis is deeper. The two-party system offers nothing but managed decline and broken promises”.
Policy Platform and Political Strategy
The emerging political alliance appears to be coalescing around a clear set of progressive policies. Central to their platform is the abolition of the two-child benefit cap, which research suggests would cost the government between £2.5 billion and £3.6 billion annually but would lift significant numbers of children out of poverty.
Beyond welfare reform, the group advocates for ending austerity policies, opposing cuts to winter fuel allowances, and maintaining current eligibility for Personal Independence Payments. Their foreign policy stance centres on Palestinian solidarity, including calls for a total arms embargo on Israel, an end to Israeli settlements, and immediate recognition of the State of Palestine.
The Independent Alliance has already demonstrated its ability to influence parliamentary proceedings, despite Labour’s substantial majority. The group has tabled motions, cooperated with other opposition parties, and provided a voice for constituencies disillusioned with mainstream politics.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The formation of a new political party presents both opportunities and significant challenges. Under UK electoral law, registering a political party requires a £150 fee, a completed application form, a constitution, and a financial scheme. The process, overseen by the Electoral Commission, ensures that new parties meet basic legal requirements before participating in elections.
However, the Independent Alliance faces structural disadvantages within the current parliamentary system. Unlike established parties, they are not entitled to “Short money”—public funding provided to opposition parties for research and administrative costs. This funding limitation means the group must rely on alternative sources of support, including shared resources and joint fundraising efforts.
The group’s influence is also constrained by parliamentary procedures that primarily favour the Official Opposition and the third-largest party. While the Independent Alliance can secure speaking time and ask questions, their access to parliamentary debates remains limited compared to established parties.
The Broader Political Context
Sultana’s move comes at a time of significant political volatility in the UK. Labour Party membership has declined substantially since its peak of 564,443 in 2017, dropping to approximately 309,000 by early 2025. This 11% decrease since the 2024 general election suggests growing dissatisfaction with the party’s direction under Keir Starmer’s leadership.
The decline in Labour membership has been attributed to controversial policy decisions, including the continuation of the two-child benefit cap and cuts to winter fuel payments. Left-wing groups within the party have also criticised what they perceive as sustained attacks on party democracy and the marginalisation of progressive voices.
Recent polling suggests that the traditional two-party system is under increasing strain. YouGov’s latest MRP projection indicates that if an election were held today, Labour would lose over 200 seats, with Reform UK potentially becoming the largest party. This fragmentation of the political landscape creates opportunities for new movements to establish themselves as viable alternatives.
Implications for British Politics
The emergence of Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn’s new political venture represents a significant moment in British politics. It demonstrates the potential for MPs to transcend traditional party boundaries and create alternative political structures when they perceive systemic failures in the existing system.
The movement’s success will likely depend on its ability to maintain unity among diverse political figures whilst developing a coherent policy platform that resonates with voters. The group’s emphasis on social justice, anti-austerity policies, and international solidarity may appeal to constituencies feeling abandoned by mainstream politics.
Furthermore, Sultana’s involvement brings a unique combination of digital savvy and policy expertise that could prove crucial in building a modern political movement. Her ability to communicate complex political issues through accessible media formats may help the new party reach audiences that traditional political communication often fails to engage.
The announcement of this new political alliance marks the beginning of what could become a significant reshaping of British politics. As Zarah Sultana transitions from Labour rebel to political pioneer, her journey reflects broader currents of change flowing through the UK’s political landscape. Whether this movement can translate parliamentary rebellion into electoral success remains to be seen, but its emergence signals that British politics is entering a new and potentially transformative phase.
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