🔗 Share this article

When the concept of a fresh socialist party led by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in participating.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its leaders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would represent a renewed effort.

Troubling Opening Day

Many of the attendees are former Labour members, unhappy about the agenda of the current government and looking for a new party as they fear the rise of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a short distance from the conference site.

Leadership Division

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual voted into power, and implied he’d be likely to run if members selected this approach.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with key decisions being taken by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about various associates and Your Party officials whom she feels are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Factionalism

Conflict came to a head around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – especially the the SWP. Her aide described this as a “targeted purge”, commenting: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the election authority – were furious, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “distraction”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

On the status of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by internal disputes when they would have wanted to address important topics such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some supporters feel the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still hope for agreement.

Yet most delegates remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by an individual delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a bottle.”