Your Party's First Event Displays Scant Sign of a Fresh Start

When the concept of a new progressive party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals registered their intent in participating.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its founders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and funding model – many expected this weekend's first major event would signal a fresh start.

Concerning Opening Day

Many of the participants are former Labour members, disappointed by the direction of the current government and seeking a political home as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a short distance from the venue.

Governance Conflict

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader voted into power, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members chose this system.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with key decisions being decided by ordinary participants – those not already serving as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, however, suggest she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and party administrators whom she feels are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is understood that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Conflict reached a peak around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her aide labeled this a “witch-hunt”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “secondary event”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings turned into internal disputes when they would have wanted to focus on key issues such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as planning for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some members believe the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the final designation and governance model – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still desire agreement.

However the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they departed of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was summed up by an individual attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a entire container.”