Jeremy Corbyn has confirmed he plans to launch a new “socialist alternative” before the next general election – aiming to rival Keir Starmer’s Labour Party.
The Independent MP, who was suspended by Labour in 2020, told ITV’s Peston that he’s working with people up and down the country to bring together a new left-wing force.
“There are a lot of people around the country, in a lot of independent groups. Look in Birmingham, look in Liverpool, and so on,” Corbyn said. “There is a thirst for an alternative view to be put.”
🧨 10% of the vote?
Corbyn’s confirmation comes hot on the heels of polling by More in Common, which suggested a new left party could scoop up 10% of the national vote – pulling support from both Labour and the Greens.
Asked whether he might turn his current Independent Alliance parliamentary grouping into a formal political party, Corbyn replied that it would do “rather well.”
🧠 A new vision for society
He explained the goal is to offer a clear and radical alternative: one focused on tackling poverty and inequality, with a foreign policy “based on peace rather than war.”
Corbyn said: “That grouping will come together. There will be an alternative put there, which is about the society that deals with poverty, inequality and a foreign policy that’s based on peace rather than war.”
👀 Will Corbyn lead it?
When asked if he wants to lead the new movement, Corbyn stayed coy: “I’m here to work. I’m here to serve the people in the way I’ve always tried to do.”
It’s not the first time the former Labour leader has hinted at launching a new left-wing political force – but this is the clearest sign yet that he plans to take on Starmer from outside the Labour tent.
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