Coffee House Shots Can the left get its act together?
Jul 25, 2025
Tim Shipman, a seasoned journalist for The Spectator, dives into the chaos surrounding Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's new political venture. He reveals the awkward launch of their party, originally dubbed 'Your Party', and its potential to compete against Reform UK. The conversation covers the struggles of the left to unite amidst ongoing unrest, the importance of identity in political movements, and the shifting tides of voter sentiment. Shipman also touches on the challenges faced by Kemi Baden-Ock in navigating a complicated political landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Left's New Party Launch Issues
- Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's new party launch was muddled, lacking a clear name and strategy.
- A strong identity and organisation are crucial for political success, especially on the left.
Corbyn's Divisive Legacy Persists
- Jeremy Corbyn's divisive stances on Israel and colonialism continue to polarize opinions.
- The new party resembles past Corbyn-led efforts in enthusiasm but repeats organizational incompetence.
Left Needs Discipline Like Starmer
- Discipline and organization are key lessons from Keir Starmer's Labour success.
- The left's democratic traditions may conflict with needed party discipline for electoral success.