🔗 Share this article

At the idea of a recent socialist party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in joining.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and financial approach – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a fresh start.

Disappointing Opening Day

A significant portion of the attendees are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the direction of the current government and searching for a ideological base as they are concerned by the growing influence of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

However 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 drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a mile from the location.

Structure Disagreement

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he supported a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this option.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with important choices being decided by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she feels are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Conflict came to a head around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – especially the the political group. Her spokesperson described this as a “targeted purge”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the regulatory body – were furious, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “distraction”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one associate said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings descended into factionalism when they would have rather discuss important topics such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants think the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still hope for unity.

Yet the majority of attendees remained despondent as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was expressed by an individual delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a full bottle.”