British left-wingers overjoyed by Mamdani's victory in New York

""This is what socialist representation looks like," posted a jubilant Zarah Sultana, alongside a picture of her with Mamdani. The former Labour MP is in the process of forming a new left-wing party with Jeremy Corbyn, who will also be celebrating the 34-year-old Democratic Socialist's victory. Corbyn, a former Labour leader, hosted a phone bank on Sunday evening to "get the vote out" for Mamdani, posing with a "North London 4 Zohran" Arsenal football shirt."

"Mamdani's policies, such taxing the rich, universal free childcare and freezing rents, are in tune with Corbyn and Sultana's brand of socialism and he shares a record of pro-Palestinian activism with his British allies. But the fact that Mamdani took on and beat the centrist old guard in his own party, defeating Andrew Cuomo, a former Democratic New York governor, who was forced to run as independent, will also be a morale boost for left-wingers no longer welcome in the Labour fold."

"Green Party leader Zack Polanski was also quick to celebrate Mamdani's victory and did not hesitate to encourage comparisons with himself, saying he would adopt the "the same relentless focus on inequality". Polanski's attention-grabbing brand of "eco-populism" has boosted his party to record membership levels and he has signalled his willingness to work with Corbyn and Sultana when their new party gets off the ground."

Zohran Mamdani won the New York mayoral contest and generated notable attention among British left-wing figures. Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn actively celebrated and campaigned in support, aligning around Mamdani's democratic socialist platform. Mamdani advocates taxing the rich, universal free childcare and rent freezes, and he shares a record of pro-Palestinian activism with his British allies. His victory over centrist figures, including Andrew Cuomo running as an independent, is seen as a morale boost for left-wingers sidelined in established parties. Green Party leader Zack Polanski praised the win and signalled potential cooperation with emerging left formations.

Read at www.bbc.com