The co-leader of Jeremy Corbyn's new left-wing party has launched an extraordinary attack on the former Labour leader, accusing him of "capitulating" over antisemitism. Zarah Sultana's criticism comes just weeks after the pair announced the formation of Your Party, threatening to derail their political venture before it properly begins.
Sultana told the New Left Review that Labour under Corbyn "capitulated to the IHRA definition of antisemitism". She also criticised his approach to Brexit, saying: "It triangulated on Brexit, which alienated huge numbers of voters."
The Board of Deputies of British Jews condemned Sultana's comments as a "grave insult". A spokesman said: "Labour's real betrayal under Corbyn was unlawfully harassing and discriminating against Jews."
Internal party tensions
The public criticism highlights immediate tensions within the newly formed party. Sultana initially announced that she and Corbyn would be co-leaders, reportedly blindsiding the former Labour leader who had not committed to the structure.
Labour adopted the full International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism in September 2018 under Corbyn's leadership. The move came after months of controversy, with Corbyn initially resisting calls to fully adopt all 11 examples of antisemitic behaviour outlined in the definition.
According to the Daily Mail, Sultana posted "I'm an anti-Zionist. Print that." on Twitter after facing backlash over her comments. The party launch has been described as "chaotic" with immediate confusion over the name and leadership structure.
New political venture
Your Party represents a working title before an autumn conference where activists will decide on a permanent name and leadership structures. The party has attracted pro-Gaza independent MPs and councillors who opposed Labour's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The group includes MPs who unseated former Labour frontbencher Jonathan Ashworth and nearly cost senior ministers Wes Streeting, Shabana Mahmood and Jess Phillips their seats. Others likely to join include Faiza Shaheen, who was deselected by Labour for Chingford and Woodford Green but ran as an independent.
Sources used: "New Left Review", "Independent", "Daily Mail", "GB News" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
