Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn has hinted that he could launch a new socialist political party with fellow pro-Gaza Muslim independent MPs in a bid to offer “an alternative” to Labour before the next general election.
Speaking on ITV, the former Labour leader confirmed that discussions were taking place among members of the Independent Alliance group of MPs, which he co-founded last year.
When asked directly whether the group was preparing to form a new party, Corbyn admitted discussions were under way among the Independent Alliance regarding the possibility.
“There is a thirst for an alternative view to be put. I’m working with all of those people. That grouping (of independents) will come together, there will be an alternative, and there will be an alternative put.” Corbyn said.
The presenter then asked if Corbyn would you like to “lead that group?” Corbyn did not rule it out.
“I’m here to work and serve the people, as I have always tried to do.”
The Independent Alliance includes four other Muslim independent MPs – Shockat Adam (Leicester South), Ayoub Khan (Birmingham Perry Barr), Adnan Hussain (Blackburn), and Iqbal Mohamed (Dewsbury and Batley) – all of whom defeated Labour candidates in recent by-elections, campaigning almost entirely on the Gaza issue.
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The massive effort by the Muslim community to campaign, protest and vote against Labour in the election was key in getting all four of the Muslim independent elected to Westminster.
Combined with Corbyn, the group has the same number of MPs as Reform UK and the Democratic Unionist Party, each with five, and more than both the Green Party and Plaid Cymru, which have four MPs each.
Corbyn, who has sat as an independent since being suspended by Labour leader Keir Starmer in 2020, has long hinted at launching a new platform focused on socialist policies.
The move could split the left-of-centre vote and pose a challenge for Labour, which has shifted towards the centre-right under Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Outlining the potential priorities of any new party, Corbyn said it would focus on “poverty, inequality, and a foreign policy based on peace rather than war.”
However, concerns exist regarding a deal to transform the Muslim independent movement into a new Corbynite party.
Questions about Corbyn’s leadership were raised during his time as Labour leader, where he was condemned by some pro-Palestine activists for abandoning long-term allies such as Jackie Walker, Chris Williamson, and Ken Livingstone amid accusations of antisemitism by pro-Israel groups.
Corbyn has been criticised for being soft on his critics and overly apologetic during the Labour antisemitism row, which dogged his tenure as party leader.
After failing to achieve power and consolidate his position within a rebellious Labour Party, he was eventually ousted by his successor, Starmer, who later purged the party of other prominent pro-Palestine voices.
Additionally, left-wing social issues, such as promoting LGBT and trans lifestyles, could be a major sticking point, potentially creating serious problems for the independent Muslim MPs among their supporters.
