🔗 Share this article

At the idea of a fresh leftwing party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number expressed an interest in becoming members.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by disputes – its founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would herald a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

Many of the attendees are former Labour members, disappointed by the policies of the current government and looking for a ideological base as they worry about the growing influence of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

But when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a mile from the conference site.

Governance Division

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he supported a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members voted for this option.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being taken by lay members – those not currently acting as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and group leaders whom she thinks are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that relations between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among certain members of Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Protest and Group Conflicts

Strains reached a peak around midday when it became known Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her aide called this a “targeted purge”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the regulatory body – were incensed, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “secondary event”. They feel allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the election authority but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s activities became dominated by group conflicts when they would have rather discuss important topics such as the financial challenges and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some members believe the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

The result is unclear if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the official title and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still hope for unity.

However many participants remained despondent as they made their way of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was summed up by one attendee, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a full bottle.”