Corbyn's New Party Eyes London: 2026 Elections as Proving Ground

Since its official launch in July 2025, the new political party co-founded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana has been in a phase of active development, building a grassroots movement and preparing for its first major electoral test. With over 750,000 people reportedly registered as supporters, the party is prioritizing a "bottom-up" approach, aiming to put power back into the hands of communities.

Zarah Sultana, who resigned from the Labour Party to co-lead the new project, has been a central figure in its formation. She has publicly stated that the new party's goal is to be a democratic movement rooted in community groups and trade unions, a significant departure from what she describes as Labour's "top-down, highly centralised" structure. The party's founders, which include the six members of the "Independent Alliance" parliamentary grouping, are currently working towards an inaugural conference in autumn 2025 where members will finalize the party's official name, leadership structure, and policy platform.

The core of "Your Party's" platform is an anti-austerity, pro-redistribution agenda. Key policies being promoted include taxing the rich, bringing public services like water and energy into public ownership, and a foreign policy centered on peace and human rights. This platform is designed to appeal to voters disillusioned with the current government and the Labour Party's shift towards the center. The party is also positioning itself as a counter to Nigel Farage's Reform UK, which they accuse of being a "divisive force" that blames minorities for social problems.

Future Plans and London Focus

London is a central battleground for the new party. "Your Party" is actively recruiting candidates and building a local presence, with a clear focus on the 2026 London local government elections. The strategy is to fill a political void by offering a genuine left-wing option in boroughs where many feel their concerns have been ignored.

In specific boroughs, the party is already laying the groundwork:

Tower Hamlets: The party has been in discussions with prominent figures in the borough's independent political scene. The success of independent candidates, including the current mayor, has made Tower Hamlets a prime target. The party aims to tap into this existing network of community-led politics to challenge Labour's dominance.

Newham: While no specific plans have been officially released, the party's focus on issues like public housing and wealth inequality is likely to resonate strongly in Newham. The borough's diverse population and socioeconomic challenges present an opportunity for "Your Party" to build a strong base.

Croydon: The party has already held its first public meeting in Croydon, which saw a positive turnout. This event signals a clear intent to contest the borough's local elections and recruit candidates who are committed to a grassroots, community-first approach.

The leaders believe they can harness the widespread frustration with mainstream politics and offer a viable alternative. By focusing on a "democratic and grassroots" approach, "Your Party" aims to build a lasting political force that can reshape the political landscape of the UK, starting with the capital.