Home secretary Yvette Cooper has fired back at former Labour MP Zarah Sultana after she launched a scathing attack on the government – and claimed Reform UK’s rise is Labour’s fault.
🚨 Sultana quits Labour and takes aim
Zarah Sultana made headlines last night after announcing she was quitting Labour and launching a new left-wing party with Jeremy Corbyn.
The Coventry South MP, who lost the Labour whip last year for voting against the two-child benefit cap, didn’t hold back. She claimed Labour had “completely failed to improve people’s lives” – and even blamed them for Nigel Farage’s polling surge.
“In 2029 the choice will be stark: socialism or barbarism. Billionaires already have three parties fighting for them. It’s time the rest of us had one,” she declared.
🎙️ Cooper claps back
Appearing on Sky News, home secretary Yvette Cooper flatly rejected Sultana’s damning assessment.
“I just strongly disagree with her,” Cooper said, insisting that change “doesn’t just happen at the flick of a switch.”
She pointed to recent government moves on the NHS and support for working people as proof of Labour’s progress.
🤔 Rebellion in the ranks?
Sky’s Anna Jones pushed back, highlighting that 49 Labour MPs rebelled over welfare cuts this week – even after two rounds of concessions from Downing Street.
“Zarah Sultana isn’t alone, is she?” Jones asked. “There seem to be a lot of Labour MPs who have lost faith in the leadership.”
Cooper responded:
“She’s always taken a very different view to most people in the government… and that’s for her to do so.”
🗳️ Labour responds
Labour issued a statement defending its first year in office:
“In just 12 months, this Labour government has boosted wages, delivered an extra four million NHS appointments, opened 750 free breakfast clubs, secured three trade deals and four interest rate cuts lowering mortgage payments for millions.”
“Only Labour can deliver the change needed to renew Britain.”
💥 McDonnell weighs in
Veteran socialist and former Labour MP John McDonnell voiced his regret over Sultana’s departure.
“The people running Labour need to ask themselves why a young, articulate, talented, extremely dedicated socialist feels she now has no home in the Labour Party and has to leave.”
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