🔗 Share this article

As the notion of a new progressive party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by disputes – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's first major event would signal a fresh start.

Disappointing Opening Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the policies of the incumbent leadership and searching for a political home as they fear the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

However when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably not present. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a short distance from the conference site.

Leadership Conflict

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and implied he’d be likely to run if members selected this approach.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with important choices being decided by ordinary participants – those not presently working as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they hoped the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was scathing about certain supporters and party administrators whom she feels are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is known that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Factionalism

Tensions reached a peak around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – especially the the political group. Her aide described this as a “political persecution”, commenting: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the regulatory body – were angry, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “secondary event”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not registered with the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s activities descended into group conflicts when they would have rather discuss key issues such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some participants feel the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the final designation and governance model – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still hope for cohesion.

But many participants remained disheartened as they departed of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was summed up by a single participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a full bottle.”