Jeremy Corbyn’s nascent political movement has reached 600,000 sign-ups within days of its launch, positioning the former Labour leader’s “Your Party” as a significant force in British politics despite operating without paid membership fees.
The Islington North MP announced the milestone figure in what he described as a “public correction,” acknowledging that previous reports of 500,000 supporters had already been surpassed. The rapid growth represents a doubling of sign-ups since the party’s formal announcement on 24 July, when Corbyn and co-founder Zarah Sultana unveiled their plans for an “unapologetically socialist” alternative to Labour.
“Yesterday, I published an article about Your Party. I want to issue a public correction and a sincere apology for an error,” Corbyn stated. “In that article, I said 500,000 people had signed up. That was incorrect. It is now 600,000 — and counting. Real change is coming.”
The figure, whilst impressive, requires context. Unlike established political parties including Labour, the Conservatives, Reform UK and the Greens, Your Party currently operates a free sign-up system rather than paid membership. Critics have characterised the database as “nothing more than a glorified mailing list,” though supporters argue it demonstrates genuine grassroots enthusiasm.
Outpacing Established Parties
Your Party’s 600,000 supporters now exceed the combined paid memberships of several major UK political parties. According to recent figures, Reform UK maintains approximately 230,000 members, the Conservatives reported 131,680 members following their 2024 leadership election, the Liberal Democrats claim over 90,000 members, and the Green Party recently celebrated surpassing 60,000 members.
Labour’s membership has declined significantly from its Corbyn-era peak of 532,000 in 2019 to approximately 330,000 as of January 2025, representing a near-halving of support since the former leader’s departure.
“We are witnessing something special. 250,000 people don’t sign up overnight for no reason,” Corbyn told The New Arab when the figure first exceeded that threshold. “This is what happens when people are disempowered and denied a real choice by a stale two-party system.”
Platform Takes Shape
The movement’s manifesto promises “unapologetically socialist” policies including wealth redistribution, public ownership of utilities, and opposition to military spending. In their founding statement, Corbyn and Sultana declared: “It’s time for a new kind of political party. One that is rooted in our communities, trade unions and social movements.”
Sultana, the Coventry South MP who lost the Labour whip after opposing the government’s two-child benefit cap, emphasised the party’s focus on economic justice. The pair have announced plans for a nationwide listening tour followed by an inaugural conference in autumn, where members will decide the party’s permanent name and leadership structure.
Electoral Impact
Recent polling suggests the new party could significantly disrupt British politics. A Find Out Now survey indicated a Corbyn-Sultana party could match Labour’s support at 15 per cent, drawing six percentage points from both Labour and the Greens. The same poll projected Reform UK leading with 34 per cent, whilst the Conservatives would secure 17 per cent.
The party’s emergence coincides with Labour’s recent decision to extend voting rights to 16-year-olds, potentially opening new demographic opportunities for left-wing parties. Young voters showed strong support for Corbyn in recent polling, with 12 per cent of 18-24 year-olds “strongly approving” of the former Labour leader compared to 9 per cent for both Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the impressive sign-up figures, Your Party faces significant hurdles. The movement has experienced early organisational challenges, with reports suggesting Corbyn initially urged Sultana to delay her announcement. The temporary “Your Party” name prompted confusion, with Sultana clarifying on social media: “It’s not called Your Party!”
Labour’s Technology Secretary Peter Kyle dismissed the threat, stating Corbyn is “not a serious politician” who “doesn’t think about governing, he thinks about posturing.” A Labour source added: “The electorate has twice given its verdict on a Jeremy Corbyn led party.
The new party must also contend with Britain’s first-past-the-post electoral system, which historically disadvantages smaller parties with geographically dispersed support. The Greens, despite decades of campaigning and over 60,000 paid members, secured just four MPs in the 2024 general election.
Building Infrastructure
Your Party benefits from experienced political operators, including several former members of Corbyn’s Labour leadership team. Pamela Fitzpatrick, one of the organisers, promised the party would adopt a “ruthless” socialist platform exceeding Labour’s 2017 and 2019 manifestos.
The movement has attracted support from the Independent Alliance, a parliamentary grouping of six MPs including Shockat Adam, Adnan Hussain, Ayoub Khan, and Iqbal Mohamed. These MPs, elected on pro-Gaza platforms, have welcomed the creation of a formal party structure.
Sky News reported approximately 200 councillors have already expressed interest in joining, with some defecting from existing independent groups. Former Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council Leader Hedley McCarthy is among the local politicians who have publicly backed the initiative.
As Britain’s political landscape continues fragmenting, with the combined Conservative and Labour vote share falling below 50 per cent in recent local elections for the first time, Your Party’s rapid growth suggests appetite for alternatives to the traditional two-party system. Whether this translates into electoral success will depend on the movement’s ability to convert online supporters into active campaigners and, ultimately, voters willing to back a party that may struggle to win seats under the current electoral system.
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