Sultana hires defamation lawyers over party row attacks

Zarah Sultana, MP for Coventry South (Lucy North/PA) Lucy North

Zarah Sultana has hired specialist defamation lawyers following what she describes as "politically-motivated" attacks over a disputed membership system for Jeremy Corbyn's new political party. The Coventry South MP posted a statement on Friday evening defending her launch of a membership portal for the fledgling party.

"Over the last 24 hours, a number of false and defamatory statements have been published about me concerning the launch of Your Party's membership portal," Sultana said. She insisted the portal was launched properly and that no member data was misused or put at risk.

Corbyn warns against membership sign-ups

The row erupted on Thursday when supporters received an invitation to officially join the party and provide financial backing. Corbyn quickly described this as an "unauthorised email" and warned people not to sign up via the link in a social media statement.

The former Labour leader and Independent MP for Islington North said legal advice was being taken over the message. The email featured the names of four other Independent MPs who have formed a parliamentary group with Corbyn: Ayoub Khan, Adnan Hussain, Iqbal Mohammed and Shockat Adam.

Claims of exclusion and sexism

Sultana defended her actions, saying she had been sidelined by the other MPs and frozen out of official accounts. "After being sidelined by the MPs named in today's statement and effectively frozen out of the official accounts, I took the step of launching a membership portal so that supporters could continue to engage and organise," she said.

She accused her colleagues of creating a "sexist boys' club" and claimed she had been "treated appallingly and excluded completely". Despite Corbyn's warning, Sultana urged supporters to continue signing up through what she called a "safe, secure, legitimate" membership system.

Data protection concerns raised

The party reported itself to the Information Commissioner's Office over the Thursday morning email, claiming a "false membership system has been unilaterally launched". Officials said data had been collected and payments taken without proper authorisation.

The party described the developments as a "blow for everyone who has put their hope in a real alternative" but denied that Sultana had been excluded from discussions. The dispute represents the latest disagreement between the two MPs over the party's direction.

Party building challenges continue

The political outfit has attracted more than 750,000 supporters since its launch under the placeholder name "Your Party" but has yet to hold an annual conference or decide on an official name. Earlier this year, Sultana announced the new left-wing party before Corbyn appeared ready to confirm the plans.

Companies House records show Corbyn ceased to be a person with significant control of Your Party UK Ltd on 15th September. This reportedly occurred because he fell below the required threshold as other Independent MPs became directors.

A group of left-wing activists calling themselves "Our Party" has urged the six MPs to step aside and hand control to party members. In an open letter, they called for an independent "handover committee" to establish proper membership systems and oversee elections for a founding committee.

Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.