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Political parties

Observer Cartoon Sparks Outrage Over Racist Depiction of Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Labour MP Zarah Sultana has lashed out at The Observer's "mealy-mouthed" apology for a cartoon that depicted her and Jeremy Corbyn in a racist manner. The illustration, created by Saffron Swire, was removed from the newspaper's website after a wave of criticism. Sultana took to Twitter to express her outrage, accusing the paper of "racism" and "supine journalism." The cartoon poked fun at Corbyn's plans for a new party, featuring him wearing 1970s disco attire with the Communist Party logo. A speech bubble next to Corbyn read "let's paint the town red!" while the RSVP address listed the House of Commons. An image of a "brownfaced" version of the Sun-Maid woman was also included, along with a box of raisins labeled "Zarah Sultanas." Corbyn and Sultana's new party has garnered significant attention, with a recent poll suggesting it could be level with Labour in voting intentions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Observer published a cartoon by Saffron Swire that depicted Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn in a racist manner, which was swiftly taken down after a wave of criticism.
  • Sultana called the apology "mealy-mouthed" and accused the paper of "racism," stating that she had not received a direct apology.
  • Cartoonist Neil Slorance described the illustration as a "cheap shot" and "not very well thought through."
  • Mark Seddon, former editor of Tribune, praised The Observer for taking down the cartoon, which he deemed "childish" and "offensive."
  • Sultana resigned the Labour whip to focus on leading a new party with Corbyn, which has been gaining attention with a recent poll suggesting it could match Labour's voting intentions.

The poll, conducted by Find Out Now for LBC News, found that 15% of 650 people polled would support the new party, matching Labour's support.

Statistics:

  • 15% of 650 people polled would support Sultana and Corbyn's new party (Source: Find Out Now for LBC News)
  • 15% of 650 people polled would support Labour (Source: Find Out Now for LBC News)
  • 2025: The year Sultana took to Twitter to express her outrage over the cartoon

Sources:

  • Zarah Sultana (@zarahsultana) Twitter post, July 21, 2025
  • The National, July 22, 2025
  • Sultana resigned the Labour whip, July 2025 (no specific date provided in the source material)
  • Find Out Now for LBC News, July 2025 (no specific date provided in the source material)

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