LONDON – Jeremy Corbyn, the former leader of Britain’s Labour Party, announced on Friday that he will run as an independent candidate in the general election on July 4, a decision that could disrupt Labour’s hold on his north London seat.
Corbyn, who led the Labour Party during the 2019 general election, has held the Islington North seat since 1983. His suspension from Labour in 2020 followed a report criticizing the handling of anti-Semitism complaints under his leadership.
Labour, currently leading the governing Conservatives in the polls, has not included Corbyn, 74, in the shortlist of candidates for the Islington North seat, leading to his decision to run independently.
“I want our political parties to be democratic, but members of Islington North Labour have been denied the right to choose a candidate,” Corbyn stated in a video announcing his candidacy. “So we have to stand up. We have to stand up and say, we’re not taking this anymore. We will assert our rights. That’s why I’m standing to be an independent candidate for the people of Islington North.”
Corbyn’s move comes amid a broader context of political friction within the Labour Party. His candidacy as an independent could split the Labour vote in Islington North, a seat traditionally seen as a Labour stronghold.
Political analysts suggest that Corbyn’s decision could either galvanize his base of supporters or fragment the left-leaning vote, potentially benefiting other candidates. The outcome of this election could be a significant indicator of Labour’s internal dynamics and its broader electoral strategy.
As the election approaches, Corbyn’s campaign will likely emphasize his long-standing connection to the constituency and his commitment to representing its residents independently of party politics.