In the aftermath of Jeremy Corbyn’s loss in the 2019 general election, many hostile to his leadership thought the left consigned to history. But the formation of the Independent Alliance is the latest manifestation of the left’s refusal to die. A formal working arrangement between the purged former Labour leader and four independent MPs who stood in the vast expanse to the left of Starmerism, the new formation is now the same size in parliament as Nigel Farage’s Reform party (albeit with a fraction of the media interest). With greater coordination, they hope to increase their visibility inside and outside parliament.
Combined with the four Green MPs, this is the biggest parliamentary grouping elected on a left-of-Labour platform in British history. Already the nine parliamentarians have worked together to table early day motions on the need for public ownership of water – here, Ellie Chowns, the Green MP, led the charge – and an immediate recognition of the state of Palestine.
