🔗 Share this article

As the notion of a recent progressive party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Although it was quickly beset by disputes – its founders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would signal a renewed effort.

Troubling Opening Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, disappointed by the agenda of the current government and searching for a political home as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the well-known duo, stating: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

However when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the location.

Structure Division

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he favoured a traditional leadership model, with a single individual chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this approach.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with key decisions being made by lay members – those not currently acting as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she believes are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had led to “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Factionalism

Conflict escalated significantly around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in alliance with potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – especially the the SWP. Her spokesperson labeled this a “targeted purge”, commenting: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be registered with the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s events became dominated by internal disputes when they would have preferred to address important topics such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants believe the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has encouraged those who still desire cohesion.

However many participants remained disheartened as they departed of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was captured by one attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a bottle.”