Jeremy Corbyn has set out plans to launch a new party in a challenge to Labour. The former Labour leader said “there will be an alternative put there” and did not rule out leading it himself.
Asked if he is thinking of forming a new party, he told ITV’s Peston programme: “There’s a lot of people all around the country in different independent groups. Look in Birmingham, look in Liverpool, look in Southport and so on.
“There is a thirst for an alternative view to be put. I’m working with all of those people. That grouping will come together.
“There will be an alternative view and there will be an alternative put there, which is about a society that deals with poverty, inequality and a foreign policy that’s based on peace rather than war.”
Pressed on if he would like to lead it, Mr Corbyn added: “I’m here to work, I’m here to serve the people in the way I’ve always tried to do.”
The Islington North MP currently sits as an independent in the Commons after being kicked out of Labour in an antisemitism row.
Mr Corbyn has formed a parliamentary alliance with four other independent MPs who were elected on pro-Gaza platforms.
If he does launch a new party, it could prove to be a headache for Sir Keir Starmer at the next general election.