Jeremy Corbyn’s new left-wing party is in chaos after activists were sent an email urging them to become official members at a cost of £55 – only for Mr Corbyn apparently to issue a statement warning them not to sign up. At the same time, Zarah Sultana, the independent MP who has said she will be co-leader of the new party, appears to have been urging people to join and pay the fee.
Mr Corbyn, the former Labour leader, announced the launch of a new party in July and called on potential supporters to sign up to email mailing list. The new organisation is known as “Your Party” until a permanent name is chosen. Today, those who signed up received an email which said: “Today is the day. Our membership portal is now open.” The email urged those receiving it to “sign up to join Your Party today”, and included a link to a website.
The website includes a form for people to enter bank card details and pay £55 for standard membership or £25 for “Concessionary Membership”.
However a statement has now been issued on Mr Corbyn’s X account urging people not to provide their bank details. Mr Corbyn apparently said: “This morning, an unauthorised email was sent to all yourparty.uk supporters with details of a supposed membership portal hosted in a new domain name.
“Legal advice is being taken. That email should be ignored by all supporters.
“If any direct debits have been set up, they should be immediately cancelled.”
His statement was signed by Mr Corbyn and four independent MPs who have said they will join the new party, according to the X message.
But it was not signed by former Labour MP Zarah Sultana, now an independent, who has said she will be co-leader of the party alongside Mr Corbyn.
And a message was issued on her own X account, saying: “We said this was your party — and we meant it. We have just launched our membership. Join us and be a part of history.” Her message included a link to the website where people can enter their bank details.
She has apparently provided updates throughout the day, and a message on her X account reported: “We’ve hit 20,000 members!
“Right-wing bad faith actors are desperate to claim this link is fake.
“It isn’t. It’s safe and secure!”
Signing up 20,000 members would mean at least £500,000 has been paid, if every member joined at the concessionary £25 rate.
It has been reported previously that Ms Sultana and Mr Corbyn are locked in a battle for control of the new party.