Zarah Sultana Takes Legal Action Amid Dispute Over Membership Launch with Jeremy Corbyn
Zarah Sultana, the MP for Coventry South, has sought the counsel of defamation lawyers following a public disagreement with former leader Jeremy Corbyn regarding the introduction of a paid membership system for their newly formed party.
Background of the Dispute
The conflict centers around the launch of a membership portal for “Your party,” which Sultana claims has faced unwarranted criticism from her colleagues. Corbyn has publicly advised supporters against engaging with what he described as the “supposed membership portal,” indicating that legal consultations were being pursued over its initiation.
Claims of Political Attacks
In a statement issued late Friday, Sultana expressed her distress over what she termed “baseless and politically motivated attacks” on her reputation. She emphasized her intention to hold accountable those spreading these allegations, stating, “I have this evening instructed specialist defamation lawyers.”
Defending the Membership Portal
Sultana defends the membership portal, asserting that it was launched in alignment with the party’s strategic roadmap. She refuted claims of mishandling members’ data, reassuring supporters that all contributions were securely managed and protected properly.
Previous Concerns Regarding Gender Bias
Earlier in the dispute, Sultana highlighted her experiences of being marginalized in a “sexist boys’ club,” alluding to ongoing gender biases in political spaces. This comment adds a layer of context to her strong defense of the portal and the grassroots involvement that she believes is crucial for the party’s future.
Invitation to Supporters and Corbyn’s Response
An invitation to join the party and financially support the initiative was circulated among supporters on Thursday morning. However, Corbyn labeled this as an “unauthorized email” and cautioned against signing up via the link. His statement received backing from four other independent MPs, complicating the internal dynamics of the party.
Moving Forward with ‘Your Party’
Amidst the discord, Sultana encouraged supporters to proceed with the membership registration, vowing that the portal is a “safe, secure, legitimate” means to engage with the party. She reiterated that her primary goal is to foster grassroots involvement, essential for the party’s growth and success.
Future Prospects and Official Recognition
Despite these controversies, the party seems to be gaining traction, with Sultana reporting that over 750,000 supporters have already signed up. As debates continue over its official name and future direction, this emerging political group is poised to play a significant role in shaping UK politics.
