Sultana's Leadership Ambitions Spark Internal Clash in New Party

A significant power struggle is unfolding within the newly formed left-wing political movement fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana. While the party, temporarily named "Your Party," is being hailed as a fresh start for a democratic and grassroots movement, a contentious debate is already raging over its future leadership.

The core of the disagreement lies in whether Mr Corbyn, 76, and Ms Sultana should be automatically installed as co-leaders or if the party should hold an open "grassroots" leadership contest. This internal conflict, which has been largely confined to behind-the-scenes discussions, highlights a deeper philosophical split within the new party's nascent ranks.

Sources indicate that while Mr Corbyn is open to the idea of a democratic leadership race, with the possibility of it being held at the inaugural conference in the autumn, his political partner, Ms Sultana, appears less enthusiastic about the concept. She is reportedly more committed to the co-leadership model. This has sparked concerns among some supporters who fear it would give Ms Sultana an unfair advantage and prevent other talented candidates from emerging. One insider voiced the sentiment, "It's not about her - it's about taking a democratic approach... We are not only fishing from a pool of two people. It needs to be an open contest."

Many are saying that Sultana would have benefited if she had expressed her intention to step aside from the second-in-command position and hand it over to a more qualified person, after having played a founding role in the party.This is because many in Corbyn's party, a leader as liberal as he is, are in favor of a democratic process to elect a leader. However, Sultana has never given any indication of relinquishing her leadership, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.

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Proponents of a wider leadership field point to the success of recent independent candidates, such as Leah Mohammed, the 24-year-old British Palestinian activist who came within 528 votes of unseating Health Secretary Wes Streeting in Ilford North. The name of Fiona Lali, of the Revolutionary Communist Party, has also been mentioned in some circles as a potential leader.

In a related development, Poplar and Limehouse MP Apsana Begum, who, like Ms Sultana, was suspended from the Labour Party for opposing the two-child benefit cap, is now being carefully watched. While she has yet to publicly announce her intentions, her alignment with the left-wing Socialist Campaign Group and her recent status as an independent MP makes her a key figure to watch as the new party takes shape. Her decision could significantly bolster the party's parliamentary presence and credibility in London.That being said, it's also true that Apsana and Sultana have a very good personal relationship. Proof of this can be found in their past social media posts.

Meanwhile, Tower Hamlets Mayor Lutfur Rahman has indicated that he may considering joining the new party. In a community television interview, the mayor stated that he would decide at a later date. His potential involvement would be a major development, bringing with it a significant local political machine and a controversial past.

Adding to the first list of potential co-leader, a  name gaining traction in the party's inner circles is that of Rishi Maharaj, a prominent trade unionist known for his sharp negotiating skills and a history of successful industrial action campaigns. Maharaj, a former senior official in the RMT union, has been a vocal critic of what he calls "centrist complacency" within the broader left. His supporters believe his strong connection to the working class and his proven ability to mobilize support could offer a powerful counterpoint to Sultana's more academic and parliamentary background. His potential candidacy would likely appeal to the party's trade unionist base and those seeking a leader with a history of direct, grassroots activism.

Despite the internal debate, sources close to Mr Corbyn and Ms Sultana have attempted to downplay any suggestion of a serious rift. They highlight that their joint statement on the party's formation explicitly mentioned that members would "decide the party's direction" at the upcoming autumn conference, including the model of leadership. A spokesperson for Mr Corbyn reiterated this commitment, stating that the conference will be the "moment where people come together to launch a new democratic party that belongs to the members."

Despite the controversy surrounding Sultana, there are millions of political intellectuals inside and outside the party who have immense faith in Corbyn's leadership, including a large number of British Bangladeshis.

If Corbyn makes a mistake in choosing the right leadership and giving the right people a place, the party will have to pay the price. This is the opinion of many of his supporters because if Corbyn's initiative fails for any reason, the dream of millions of people for a genuine left-wing political rise in Britain and Europe will die.