Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 12, 2024 1:23 pm GMT
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn recently addressed a gathering of left-wing activists to discuss the formation of a new political party called Collective. This initiative aims to create an alternative political force in the UK, especially for those who feel disillusioned by the current Labour leadership and the rightward shift of the party.
Supporters and Vision for Collective
The meeting, held on a private Sunday afternoon, brought together notable figures from various backgrounds. Among them were former Unite general secretary Len McCluskey, ex-North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll, and film director Ken Loach. Organizers aim to establish Collective as a platform that nurtures future leaders for the left and prepares to contest the next general election.
Attendees expressed hope that this new party would be a counterweight to both the Labour party’s current leadership under Keir Starmer and the rise of more right-wing political movements, including Reform UK.
“There will be a new left party that will contest the next election and hopefully be a meaningful counterweight to Reform and the right-wing drift of the Labour party,” one organizer stated.
Corbyn’s Role and Perspectives
Although Corbyn spoke at the event, sources close to him clarified that his attendance should not be seen as an official endorsement of the initiative. Instead, he aimed to listen and discuss various views concerning the future of left-wing politics in the UK.
Karie Murphy, Corbyn’s former chief of staff, along with several independent candidates shared perspectives during the meeting. A significant focus was placed on how the proposed Collective party could fill the political void many voters currently feel, particularly as Labour’s popularity wanes.
Corbyn’s attention focused on understanding the mechanisms through which this new party can attract support, especially from individuals feeling marginalized by politics today. Pamela Fitzpatrick, who is set to direct the new movement and is involved with Corbyn’s Peace and Justice project, expressed urgency during the gathering.
The Urgency for Change
Fitzpatrick emphasized the challenge that the left faces amidst rising far-right sentiments in the UK. She stated, “Now is the time to become an established party. We’ve seen the rise of the far right, and already people are feeling politically homeless.” This sentiment resonates with many who demand a more progressive alternative amid growing discontent with existing options.
Organizers revealed plans for a mass membership drive alongside strategies to encourage trade union affiliations. The outlook is that many independent candidates from past elections performed well despite not winning, showcasing grassroots potential for a revival of the left.
Key Figures and Perspectives
Several independent candidates express mixed opinions about the necessity and effectiveness of forming a new party. For instance, Andrew Feinstein, who ran against Starmer, is conspicuously cautious. Yet, other attendees like Fiona Lali, who previously stood as a Revolutionary Communist candidate, resonate with the urgency for change.
The Political Landscape Ahead
The call for a new left-wing party comes amid challenges facing Starmer’s Labour government. Recent criticism includes cuts to winter fuel allowances affecting vulnerable pensioners and delays in vital NHS projects. Such landscape provides fertile ground for a new political initiative.
Organizers believe that if the left does not mobilize now, they risk losing relevance and effectiveness. As one attendee pointed out, “There’s a real concern that if we don’t act now, the government will open the door to Farage as the next prime minister.”
Gathering Support
With a significant fraction of disenchanted left-wing activists seeking new outlets for their political aspirations—such as the Green Party—the Collective movement aims to channel this dissatisfaction into a structured political entity.
- Core goals of Collective:
- Create a platform for left-wing enthusiasts.
- Contest upcoming elections against the Labour Party and right-wing parties.
- Nurture future leaders and engage leftist voters.
- Next steps include:
- Planning another meeting in six weeks.
- Strategizing on mass membership drives.
- Working on building alliances with existing trade unions.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Left?
The discussion around the formation of Collective illustrates a shifting landscape in UK politics. As Jeremy Corbyn and other left-wing figures gather to share insights, the prospects of establishing a new party represent both a challenge and an opportunity for those advocating for change. While not all involved are committed to the idea, the debate stimulates hope among many disillusioned voters searching for a meaningful political voice amid the chaos of shifting priorities.
The new initiative might face some challenges, but it could find a special place in the UK’s busy political world. As the Collective movement grows, it could either strengthen the left’s power or just be another short-lived moment in British politics. We will have to wait and see how this effort develops and if it can gain the support from everyday people to become an important part of the next general election.
