Your Party's Inaugural Gathering Reveals Scant Indication of a Clean Slate

At the idea of a recent socialist party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in joining.

Even though it became quickly beset by arguments – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's first major event would herald a fresh start.

Disappointing Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the agenda of the present administration and searching for a new party as they fear the growing influence of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the duo to the well-known duo, remarking: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

However when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a mile from the venue.

Leadership Disagreement

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he supported a established hierarchical structure, with one person voted into power, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members voted for this system.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with important choices being decided by lay members – those not currently acting as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, however, state she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they hoped the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about various associates and group leaders whom she feels are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Strains escalated significantly around midday when it became known Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her aide labeled this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the regulatory body – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “distraction”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s activities turned into internal disputes when they would have rather address key issues such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

The group is still considering if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some participants think the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the official title and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has encouraged those who still wish for agreement.

But the majority of attendees remained despondent as they shuffled out of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was summed up by a single delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a bottle.”