Corbyn confirms talks about new left-wing party

Jeremy Corbyn has broken his silence on the new left-wing political party announced by the former Labour MP Zarah Sultana, confirming that “discussions are ongoing” about the party’s formation.

- MILLIE COOKE POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

On Thursday evening, Sultana said she would co-lead the new movement with the former party leader, and hit out at the government for having “completely failed to improve people’s lives”. Corbyn initially failed to comment, sparking rumours he had not fully committed to join.

In a statement yesterday afternoon, Mr Corbyn said: “Real change is coming. One year on from the election, this Labour government has refused to deliver the change people expected and deserved. Poverty, inequality and war are not inevitable. Our country needs to change direction, now. Congratulations to Zarah Sultana on her principled decision to leave the Labour Party. I am delighted that she will help us build a real alternative.

“The democratic foundations of a new kind of political party will soon take shape. Discussions are ongoing and I am excited to work alongside all communities to fight for the future people deserve. Together, we can create something that is desperately missing from our broken political system – hope.”