Zarah Sultana, the former Labour MP for Coventry South, has stated her “determination to reconcile and move forward” following disagreements regarding the formation of a new left-wing political party alongside Jeremy Corbyn.
The MP also announced she would discontinue pursuing legal action against Corbyn and other figures involved in the nascent party, currently known as Your Party.
This announcement follows Sultana’s statement on Friday that she had engaged defamation lawyers in response to what she described as “baseless attacks” on her character.
Corbyn has been contacted for comment. Similar to Sultana, he reportedly wishes for the party’s inaugural conference to proceed as scheduled in November.
In a statement released on X, Sultana acknowledged the “regrettable situation” and the potential for “people are feeling demoralised,” but expressed confidence that the party’s conference would still take place.
“I am engaged in ongoing discussions with Jeremy, for whom, like all socialists of my generation, I have nothing but respect,” she stated.
“We will find a way to continue in a unified way centring the grassroots of our movement.”
Mediation efforts between the two figures reportedly began on Friday.
This development comes after Sultana accused former Labour leader Corbyn of presiding over a “sexist boys’ club” and alleged that she had been “sidelined” by other members of the new party.
The dispute arose following an email invitation to supporters to subscribe for a £5 monthly or £55 annual membership. While Sultana promoted the sign-up on social media, Corbyn later stated that the emails were “unauthorised” and should be disregarded.
On Friday, Sultana indicated she had instructed defamation lawyers after becoming “the subject of a number of false and defamatory statements” following the launch of the membership system, which she claimed had attracted over 20,000 sign-ups.
“Unfortunately I have been subjected to what can only be described as a sexist boys’ club: I have been treated appallingly and excluded completely,” she added.
A statement from Islington North MP Corbyn dismissing the email and advising that any direct debits should be “immediately cancelled” was co-signed by Ayoub Khan, Adnan Hussain, Iqbal Mohamed, and Shockat Adam – four independent MPs involved in the party’s founding – but did not include Sultana’s name.
The new party has faced challenges since its announcement in July.
Sources close to Corbyn have expressed “disappointment” at the emergence of deep divisions surrounding the party’s formation.
Some speculate that Sultana was attempting to position herself for a leadership bid through the membership drive. Corbyn has not yet agreed to a co-leadership arrangement, although he has not ruled it out entirely.
Sultana maintains that the launch of the membership portal was “in line with the road map sent out to members,” with funds to be held by a company established by the party to safeguard finances until its conference in November.
Your Party group has referred the matter to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the data protection regulatory body, citing concerns over potential misuse of supporters’ data.
The pair previously clashed over the party’s name, with Sultana advocating against the “Your Party” moniker and suggesting “The Left Party” as an alternative, while Corbyn has indicated the name could remain.
The final decision regarding the party’s name will be put to a vote among supporters.
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