🔗 Share this article

When the concept of a new socialist party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number registered their intent in joining.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its leaders disagreed intensely over its early governance and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would represent a fresh start.

Concerning First Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the agenda of the incumbent leadership and looking for a political home as they are concerned by the rise of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

However when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a brief walk from the venue.

Governance Division

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual elected to take charge, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this approach.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with important choices being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they hoped the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she feels are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Tensions escalated significantly around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to membership in other leftwing groups – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson described this as a “targeted purge”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the election authority – were furious, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “secondary event”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

On the status of the SWP, one associate said: “Although it isn't registered with the regulatory body but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Participants

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s activities turned into internal disputes when they would have wanted to focus on key issues such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some supporters believe the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The result is unclear if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has reassured those who still wish for unity.

But many participants remained disheartened as they departed of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was summed up by an individual participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a bottle.”