Corbyn's New Party Plunges into 'Sexist Boys' Club' Row as Legal Battle Looms

A serious and public rift has erupted at the heart of the new left-wing political party being founded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, with the fledgling organization enveloped in a dispute over its membership system. The row has escalated to include accusations of a "sexist boys' club" and threats of legal action, casting a shadow over the party's launch.

The controversy began on Thursday morning when an email was sent to supporters of the unnamed party—currently operating under the interim moniker "Your Party"—inviting them to sign up for official membership and provide financial backing. The email was reportedly sent by Zarah Sultana, the Independent MP for Coventry South.

However, in an extraordinary turn of events, Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader and Independent MP for Islington North, swiftly issued a public statement on social media, warning supporters that the email was "unauthorised." He urged people not to sign up via the provided link and to "immediately cancel" any direct debits they may have set up. His message also stated that "legal advice is being taken" over the incident. The statement was co-signed by four other Independent MPs who have joined Mr. Corbyn in an ad-hoc parliamentary group: Ayoub Khan, Adnan Hussain, Iqbal Mohammed, and Shockat Adam.

In a scathing public response on X (formerly Twitter), Ms. Sultana hit back at her male colleagues. She claimed she had been "sidelined by the MPs named in today’s statement and effectively frozen out of the official accounts." She explained that she launched the membership portal to "safeguard the grassroots involvement that is essential in building this party."

Ms. Sultana’s statement went further, leveling serious accusations against her fellow MPs. "Unfortunately I have been subjected to what can only be described as a sexist boys’ club," she wrote. "I have been treated appallingly and excluded completely. They have refused to allow any other women with voting rights to the Working Group, blocking the gender-balanced committee that both Jeremy and I signed up to."

This is not the first sign of discord between the co-founders. Earlier this year, Ms. Sultana announced the formation of the new party before Mr. Corbyn appeared ready to confirm it. There have also been reports of clashes between Ms. Sultana and Independent MP Adnan Hussain over their differing views on trans rights.

The party, which has yet to be officially named, has already attracted significant interest. A recent poll suggested that one in five Britons would consider voting for the new party, with support particularly strong among young people and former Labour and Green Party voters. A founding conference is planned for later this year, where members will vote on the official name and policies, but this latest rift brings the party's internal stability into serious question.