Zarah Sultana has become one of the most talked-about figures in UK politics this summer. Her recent decision to leave the Labour Party and co-found a new political party with Jeremy Corbyn has sent shockwaves through Westminster. As the political landscape shifts, Sultana’s actions and words are making headlines and sparking debate across the country.
Early Life and Political Rise
Born in Birmingham in 1993 to a family of Pakistani heritage, Zarah Sultana grew up in the Lozells area. Her grandfather migrated from Azad Kashmir to the UK in the 1960s, a story familiar to many British families with roots in South Asia. Sultana attended Holte School and later King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for sixth form. She went on to study international relations and economics at the University of Birmingham, where her political journey began.
Sultana joined the Labour Party in 2011, motivated by the coalition government’s decision to raise university tuition fees. She quickly became active in student politics, serving on the National Executive Councils of both Young Labour and the National Union of Students. Her early activism laid the foundation for her parliamentary career.
Parliamentary Career and Advocacy
Elected as the MP for Coventry South in 2019, Sultana quickly established herself as a prominent voice on the left of the Labour Party. She joined the Socialist Campaign Group and became known for her outspoken criticism of government policies, particularly on issues of social justice, welfare, and foreign affairs.
Sultana’s advocacy has not been without controversy. She has faced criticism for past social media posts, which she has since apologised for, and has spoken openly about the abuse she has received as a Muslim woman in public life. Despite these challenges, she has remained a vocal campaigner for her constituents and for marginalised communities across the UK.
The Two-Child Benefit Cap and Party Suspension
One of the defining moments of Sultana’s recent career came in July 2024, when she was suspended from the Labour Party for voting to abolish the two-child benefit cap. This policy, introduced by the Conservative government in 2017, restricts most parents from claiming benefits for more than two children. Sultana argued that the cap was driving child poverty and insisted she would vote the same way again if given the chance.
Her stance resonated with many anti-poverty campaigners. Recent government figures show that 4.45 million children in the UK are living in relative poverty, the highest number since records began. This represents 31% of all children in the country, with the rate rising sharply in recent years. The Child Poverty Action Group and other organisations have called for the two-child cap to be scrapped, arguing that it disproportionately affects larger families and deepens inequality.
Sultana’s decision to defy the party whip was seen by some as an act of principle, but it led to her suspension along with several other MPs. While some had the whip restored, Sultana remained outside the party fold, continuing to serve as an independent MP for Coventry South.
Coventry South: A Strong Mandate
Despite the controversy, Sultana’s popularity in her constituency has grown. In the 2024 general election, she was re-elected with a commanding majority, securing 20,361 votes and 48% of the vote share. Her majority increased to over 10,000, a significant rise from her narrow win in 2019. This result reflected strong local support for her positions on social justice and welfare.
Coventry South is a diverse constituency, with a median household income slightly below the national average and a high proportion of young people and ethnic minorities. Sultana’s focus on issues like child poverty, cost of living, and public services has resonated with many voters in the area.
Founding a New Political Party
On 3 July 2025, Sultana announced her resignation from the Labour Party after 14 years of membership. She revealed plans to co-lead a new political party with Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader. The new party aims to bring together independent MPs, campaigners, and activists from across the country, offering what Sultana describes as a genuine alternative to the current two-party system.
In her resignation statement, Sultana criticised both the government and the Labour leadership for their positions on welfare, the cost of living, and the conflict in Gaza. She accused the government of being “an active participant in genocide” in Gaza and argued that the political establishment was failing to address the needs of ordinary people.
Sultana’s move comes at a time of growing disillusionment with mainstream parties. She has argued that “billionaires already have three parties fighting for them. It’s time the rest of us had one.” There is speculation that the new party could attract a dozen MPs, potentially forming a significant parliamentary group and posing a challenge to the Labour government.
Reactions and Implications
The Labour Party responded to Sultana’s resignation by highlighting its achievements in government, including wage increases, more NHS appointments, and new trade deals. Party officials insisted that only Labour could deliver the change needed to renew Britain.
However, Sultana’s departure has reignited debate about the direction of the Labour Party and the future of the left in British politics. Her focus on poverty, welfare, and international justice has struck a chord with many voters, especially younger people and those in deprived communities.
Expert commentators suggest that the formation of a new party could reshape the political landscape, particularly if it manages to unite disaffected MPs and activists. The next general election may see a more fragmented contest, with new voices challenging the traditional dominance of Labour and the Conservatives.
Conclusion:
Zarah Sultana’s bold departure from Labour and her role in founding a new political party reflect her unwavering commitment to social justice and principled politics. Her actions have energised debates about the future of the left in the UK and given a strong voice to those seeking change. As British politics evolves, Sultana remains a key figure to watch, embodying both the challenges and the hopes of a new generation.
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