In the last couple of days, the formation of new political parties have been announced in both the US and the UK. They may change the political landscape of their respective countries.
In the US, Elon Musk, the billionaire behind Tesla, SpaceX, Starlink and the former head of DOGE, announced the creation of what he is calling the America Party. What sparked this decision was the feud that opened up between him and President Trump regarding the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB), which was approved last week. It is well documented, for example by the Congressional Budget Office, that theBBB will add around 4 trillion dollars of US debt over the next 8-9 years. This would be in direct opposition to what DOGE was trying to achieve, namely spending reductions.
The America Party, if it ever comes to fruition, would aim at breaking the “single party system” that has dominated US politics for centuries. Musk’s frequent criticism of both the Democrats and Republicans is well documented. He has tweeted about the “broken” state of American politics, lamenting the polarisation and lack of innovative solutions.
A Musk-backed party would likely echo his commitment to technological advancement, placing innovation, scientific progress, space exploration and fiscal responsibility front and centre. Advocating for free speech and fewer regulatory constraints, such a party might attract entrepreneurs, technophiles, younger voters, and those disillusioned with traditional politics. Some have dubbed the hypothetical movement the “X Party,” a nod to Musk’s branding instincts. The party may have similarities with Beppe Grillo’s Five Star Movement, forits frequent “consultation of the base”, which in this case is identified with the social platform X.
As Musk is not American-born, he cannot run for president. So Musk said his party will aim at winning a handful of seats in the Senate and districts House, which could make the difference in key votes, where sometimes only a slim majority approves laws. The BBB for example passed the Senate with a 50-50 tie that was broken only by vice-President JD Vance.
From a political perspective, America Party votes may split the right-wing electorate, potentially facilitating the victory of Democratic candidates in areas where the margin between candidates is minimal. Trump is unlikely to see this as a positive development ahead of the mid-term elections, which are set to take place in November 2026 (if they take place).
In the UK, press reports have abounded about the intention of Jeremy Corbyn (the former leader of the Labour party, kicked out by the new leader Keir Starmer) to form a new leftist political party, potentially called “The Common Ground.” In the last few days, Corbyn and the party co-leader Zarah Sultana outlined the party’s founding principles: public ownership of essential services, a Green New Deal for climate action, and an unwavering commitment to social justice. Emphasising unity, they are welcoming trade unionists, activists, young people, and all who feel unrepresented by the current political establishment.
The new party can shave off up to 10% of support for Keir Starmer’s Labour party, which may prove essential to win what is likely to be a contested race against Reform and its leader Neigel Farage at the next election. Corbyn, who lost two general elections (against Conservative leaders Theresa May and Boris Johnson, leading to the worst defeat for Labour since 1935) and was instrumental for the victory of the Brexit referendum by the Brexiteers, may pull out another bitter surprise for the UK’s liberal and progressive electorate, paving the way for Nigel Farage to become the UK’s next prime minister.
