Zarah Sultana has instructed defamation lawyers following a public dispute with Jeremy Corbyn over the launch of a paid membership system for their proposed new party, Your party. The Coventry South MP said she had faced 'baseless attacks' that were 'politically motivated' and vowed to hold those responsible to account.
The row erupted after Sultana launched a membership portal, which Corbyn described as 'unauthorised' and urged supporters not to use. Corbyn also said legal advice was being taken over the launch. Sultana insisted the portal was 'properly launched' and that members' data was not misused, with all funds ringfenced.
Sultana claimed she had been subjected to a 'sexist boys' club' and excluded from party decisions. She criticised Corbyn's aide Karie Murphy, saying members would not accept her having 'sole financial control' of funds. Corbyn defended Murphy, saying she had received 'an awful lot of stick' and that he was 'appalled' by attacks on her.
The party reported itself to the Information Commissioner's Office over the email inviting sign-ups, claiming a 'false membership system' had been launched. Despite the dispute, Sultana said over 750,000 supporters had signed up to Your party, which has yet to hold a conference or choose an official name.
