In a significant shift in the UK political landscape, five independent pro-Palestine candidates have won seats in the general elections. Including former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, with Israel’s war on Gaza being a key issue for voters.
The other four independent candidates who secured victories from Labour on Friday are Shockat Adam in Leicester South, Ayoub Khan in Birmingham Perry Barr, Adnan Hussain in Blackburn, and Iqbal Mohamed in Dewsbury and Batley.
Despite both the Conservatives and Labour expressing a desire to end the fighting in Gaza, their support for Israel’s right to defend itself has angered pro-Palestine and Muslim voters nationwide. Labour leader Keir Starmer, has became the next prime minister, faced shouts of “Free Palestine” at his Holborn and St Pancras polling station and during his election count.
Corbyn, 75, re-elected for London’s Islington North constituency, defeated Labour’s Praful Nargund with 24,120 votes to 16,873. He remarked that his voters were seeking “a government that on the world stage will search for peace, not war, and not allow the terrible conditions to go on in Gaza at the present time.”
In a separate statement, Corbyn thanked his supporters, describing the result as a “glimpse of a different future, which puts the interests of many ahead of those of the few.” He warned the incoming government that dissent cannot be crushed without consequences and reiterated his commitment to representing Islington North.
Shockat Adam unseated Labour frontbencher Jonathan Ashworth in Leicester South, while Iqbal Mohamed, focusing on a Gaza ceasefire, defeated Labour candidate Heather Iqbal in Dewsbury and Batley. In Blackburn, Adnan Hussain triumphed over Labour’s Kate Hollern, vowing to amplify concerns about the injustice in Gaza.
Corbyn’s tenure as Labour leader was marked by a shift from the center and significant internal division. He led the party through the 2016 Brexit vote and saw an unexpectedly strong performance in the 2017 general election but stepped down after a poor showing in 2019. His leadership was marred by controversies, including handling anti-Semitism allegations, leading to his suspension from the party in 2020.
Announcing his candidacy as an independent voice for equality, democracy, and peace, Corbyn emphasized his continued dedication to his constituents and a fairer world.