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Cabinet minister calls Corbyn ''chaotic'' after new party launch

Cabinet Minister Brands Corbyn 'Chaotic' Amid Launch of New Political Venture

In a sharp escalation of political rhetoric, a senior UK cabinet minister has lambasted former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn as "chaotic" following the announcement of a new political party aimed at challenging the established order. The criticism came hot on the heels of Corbyn's involvement in launching what has been described as a progressive, left-wing alliance designed to address issues like inequality, climate change, and foreign policy, particularly in relation to Palestine and global justice. This development underscores the deepening fractures within the UK's left-wing spectrum, as Corbyn, now an independent MP, seeks to carve out a space outside the mainstream Labour Party under Keir Starmer's leadership.

The cabinet minister in question, whose pointed remarks were made during a media appearance, did not mince words. Drawing parallels to past political upheavals, the minister argued that Corbyn's latest move exemplifies a pattern of disarray and poor judgment that plagued his tenure as Labour leader from 2015 to 2020. "This is classic Corbyn – chaotic, unfocused, and ultimately damaging to the causes he claims to champion," the minister stated, according to sources close to the briefing. The comments were part of a broader Conservative strategy to portray opposition figures as unstable, especially as the general election looms on the horizon. By framing Corbyn's new initiative as a sign of leftist fragmentation, the government appears intent on highlighting what it sees as Labour's internal weaknesses, even though Corbyn has been expelled from the party and operates independently.

To fully appreciate the context, it's essential to revisit Corbyn's political journey. Elected as Labour leader in a surprise grassroots surge in 2015, Corbyn represented a radical shift towards socialism, anti-austerity policies, and a foreign policy critical of Western interventions. His leadership galvanized a new generation of activists but also led to bitter internal divisions, culminating in Labour's disastrous 2019 election defeat under his watch. Accusations of mishandling antisemitism allegations within the party further tarnished his reputation, leading to his suspension from Labour in 2020 after he downplayed the findings of an Equality and Human Rights Commission report. Since then, Corbyn has sat as an independent MP for Islington North, maintaining a vocal presence on issues like the Gaza conflict, NHS privatization, and environmental justice.

The new party launch, which Corbyn has endorsed and is expected to play a prominent role in, is tentatively named the "People's Alliance for Justice" (though details remain fluid at the time of reporting). Announced at a packed event in London, the initiative brings together disaffected Labour members, trade unionists, environmental campaigners, and anti-war activists. Speakers at the launch emphasized the need for a "genuine alternative" to what they described as Starmer's "centrist drift," accusing the current Labour leadership of abandoning core socialist principles in favor of appealing to moderate voters. Corbyn himself took to the stage, delivering a impassioned speech that harkened back to his 2017 manifesto promises. "We cannot wait for change; we must build it ourselves," he declared, outlining plans for policies including nationalizing key industries, implementing a wealth tax, and pushing for an immediate ceasefire in global conflicts.

Critics, including the cabinet minister, have seized on the timing and structure of this new venture to question its viability. With the UK political landscape already crowded – featuring parties like the Greens, the Liberal Democrats, and emerging populist groups – skeptics argue that Corbyn's alliance risks splitting the left-wing vote, potentially handing seats to the Conservatives or Reform UK in marginal constituencies. The minister went further, labeling the launch as "a vanity project born out of bitterness," suggesting that Corbyn's refusal to reconcile with Labour under Starmer demonstrates a lack of strategic foresight. "At a time when the country needs unity, this is just more division and chaos," the minister added, referencing Corbyn's history of internal party rebellions and policy U-turns.

Responses from within Labour have been mixed but largely dismissive. Starmer allies have downplayed the threat, insisting that the party has moved on from the Corbyn era and is focused on winning power to deliver "real change" for working people. One shadow cabinet member, speaking anonymously, told reporters that while Corbyn retains a loyal following, his new party is unlikely to gain significant traction beyond niche activist circles. "Jeremy had his chance, and it didn't work. We're building a broad coalition to beat the Tories, not indulging in ideological purity tests," the source said. However, some on Labour's left flank have expressed quiet sympathy, viewing the launch as a symptom of Starmer's purges of socialist elements, which have seen several MPs and members deselected or suspended.

Beyond the immediate political sparring, this episode raises broader questions about the state of progressive politics in the UK. Corbyn's enduring appeal lies in his authenticity and commitment to causes often sidelined by mainstream discourse. His advocacy for Palestinian rights, for instance, has resonated amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, drawing support from younger voters and ethnic minority communities disillusioned with both major parties. The new party's platform includes bold proposals such as scrapping tuition fees, investing heavily in green energy, and reforming the House of Lords – ideas that echo Corbyn's 2019 manifesto but are presented with a fresh emphasis on grassroots democracy and international solidarity.

Yet, challenges abound. Funding remains a key issue; unlike established parties, this new alliance will rely on small donations and crowdfunding, potentially limiting its reach. Legal hurdles, such as registering with the Electoral Commission and navigating ballot access rules, could also delay its impact. Moreover, Corbyn's personal baggage – from the antisemitism controversies to perceptions of economic incompetence – may alienate moderate swing voters essential for electoral success. Analysts predict that the party might contest a handful of seats in the next election, targeting urban areas with strong left-wing bases like London, Manchester, and Bristol. If successful, it could siphon votes from Labour, complicating Starmer's path to a majority.

The cabinet minister's "chaotic" jibe has, ironically, amplified the launch's visibility, turning what might have been a low-key event into national news. Social media has buzzed with reactions, from enthusiastic endorsements by Corbyn supporters to mockery from Conservative accounts. One viral tweet from a Tory MP quipped, "Corbyn's new party: Because one electoral disaster wasn't enough." On the other side, activists have rallied online with hashtags like #CorbynAlliance and #RealChangeNow, sharing stories of how Corbyn's policies inspired their political awakening.

In the wider European context, this move aligns with a trend of splinter groups emerging from traditional social democratic parties. From France's La France Insoumise to Germany's Die Linke factions, left-wing politics is increasingly fragmented, often in response to centrist shifts. In the UK, with Brexit's aftershocks still felt and economic pressures mounting, Corbyn's venture taps into a vein of discontent that neither the Conservatives nor Labour has fully addressed.

As the dust settles, the true test will come in the ballot box. Will Corbyn's "chaotic" energy translate into a meaningful challenge, or will it fizzle out like previous third-party efforts? For now, the launch has reignited debates about the soul of the left, forcing all parties to confront the enduring allure of radical alternatives in an era of political disillusionment. The cabinet minister's criticism, while pointed, may inadvertently highlight the very voids in the current system that Corbyn seeks to fill, ensuring that this story is far from over.

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Read the Full The Irish News Article at:
[ https://www.irishnews.com/news/uk/cabinet-minister-calls-corbyn-chaotic-after-new-party-launch-FXP5WC4ADNOBZJCUTOMP4LDMR4/ ]