Novara Media: Spotlight on UK Left's Turmoil
Novara Media has long been a beacon for independent, left-leaning journalism in the UK, offering unfiltered takes on politics, culture, and social justice. Founded in 2014 by a collective of activists and journalists, the outlet has carved out a niche as the go-to source for those disillusioned with mainstream media's coverage of progressive issues. With its mix of podcasts, articles, and live broadcasts, Novara challenges the status quo, amplifying voices from the margins. In a landscape dominated by corporate giants like the BBC and The Guardian, Novara's crowdfunded model ensures editorial independence, funded largely by reader donations and a small merch operation.
The Rise of Novara Media
From its inception, Novara Media aimed to fill the void left by traditional outlets' reluctance to dive deep into radical politics. Named after the Italian city symbolizing resistance, the platform quickly gained traction during the Jeremy Corbyn era, providing rigorous analysis of Labour's internal battles and the rise of Corbynism. Shows like Novara Live, hosted by Ash Sarkar and Michael Walker, became staples for viewers seeking real-time commentary on events from Brexit to Black Lives Matter protests.
Novara's output is diverse: Downstream tackles cultural critiques, If I Speak... centers feminist and anti-racist perspectives, while ACFM (Another Column For Marx) blends philosophy with pop culture. Their Novara FM series features in-depth interviews, and initiatives like Planet B address climate justice. This multimedia approach has built a loyal audience, particularly among young leftists and ethnic minorities, with newsletters reaching tens of thousands weekly.
Funding and Independence
How does Novara stay afloat? Transparency is key. They disclose funding sources on their site, relying on memberships starting at £5/month and one-off donations. No corporate ads mean no strings attached—unlike some outlets accused of softening critiques under advertiser pressure. In 2023, they reported over £200,000 in donations, underscoring grassroots support. Merch like T-shirts emblazoned with slogans such as "Tax the Rich" adds a fun, activist edge.
Covering the Chaos of 'Your Party'
A recent long read by Rivkah Brown, titled "Is Your Party Over?", exemplifies Novara's knack for gritty, on-the-ground reporting. Published on February 10, 2026, the piece dissects the turbulent launch of 'Your Party', a new left-wing venture spearheaded by former Labour figures Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana. What began as a hopeful bid to unite the post-Labour left has devolved into factional warfare, and Novara pulls no punches in exposing the drama.
Brown attends a Hackney meeting in a Clapton venue, capturing the raw enthusiasm of attendees like Junaid Eldem, a Syrian refugee-turned-warehouse worker new to UK politics. Eldem, drawn in via the Socialist Workers' Party (SWP), embodies the grassroots energy Novara champions—ordinary people craving change amid despair over issues like Palestine. Yet, Brown's narrative swiftly pivots to the leadership's dysfunction: Sultana's unilateral membership portal launch sparking legal threats, key defections (including Andrew Feinstein and Jamie Driscoll), and a power grab by Corbyn's inner circle, including his wife Laura Alvarez.
Factionalism and Leadership Woes
The article paints a vivid picture of infighting reminiscent of Labour's purges under Keir Starmer. Corbyn's faction, allied with the Independent Alliance, dominates the interim leadership, sidelining Sultana's camp. Brown's sources describe a "monarchical" vibe around Corbyn, with spouses wielding undue influence—Alvarez attending meetings via her parliamentary pass, and Sultana's husband Craig Lloyd allegedly pushing her toward left-wing royalty status.
At the November founding conference, accusations flew: anti-democratic maneuvers, financial irregularities, and media stunts. Karie Murphy, Corbyn's longtime adviser, orchestrated a purge of hard-left members, echoing the very Labour dynamics the party sought to escape. By Christmas, exhaustion had set in, with co-founders posing awkwardly at events. Brown's piece questions whether 'Your Party' can generate the "energy and power" Eldem hopes for, or if it's doomed to repeat history's mistakes.
Novara's Role in Shaping Discourse
Beyond this scoop, Novara Media contextualizes 'Your Party' within broader UK trends. The Greens' invisibility to newcomers like Eldem highlights the left's fragmentation, while SWP's controversial reputation (factionalism, assault scandals) underscores alliance pitfalls. Novara's Red Flags opinion series and Committed investigations often probe such tensions, fostering debate on unity versus purity.
In an era of declining trust in media—post-Partygate scandals and biased election coverage—Novara's commitment to facts over spin resonates. Their Palestine focus, evident in Eldem's story, aligns with growing public support for ceasefire calls, positioning them as a counter-narrative to pro-Israel lobbies. Critics accuse Novara of bias, but supporters praise its role in democratizing information.
Future Challenges and Hopes
As 'Your Party' stumbles seven months in, Novara remains vigilant. Will Corbyn and Sultana reconcile, or will more exits fracture the project? Brown's reporting suggests a defibrillator is needed, not just mediation. For Novara, this story reinforces their mission: holding power to account, even when it's the left's own.
Looking ahead, Novara plans expansions like more regional branches and international collaborations. With UK politics polarized—Starmer's Labour drifting centrist, Tories in disarray—the outlet's relevance grows. For activists like Eldem, Novara isn't just news; it's a call to action, reminding us that change demands scrutiny, not blind faith.
In sum, Novara Media thrives by blending sharp analysis with human stories, ensuring the left's pulse beats on. Whether 'Your Party' survives or not, outlets like Novara ensure the conversation endures.
