🔗 Share this article

At the idea of a recent progressive party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and funding model – many expected this weekend's launch gathering would represent a renewed effort.

Concerning Opening Day

Many of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the agenda of the current government and searching for a new party as they worry about the rise of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

However when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a short distance from the venue.

Structure Disagreement

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with one person elected to take charge, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this approach.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with important choices being taken by ordinary participants – those not already serving as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about some of his allies and party administrators whom she thinks are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Tensions escalated significantly around midday when it emerged Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – notably the the SWP. Her representative described this as a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the Electoral Commission – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the new party.

On the status of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be registered with the election authority but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s activities turned into group conflicts when they would have preferred to discuss important topics such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is still considering if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters feel the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

The result is unclear if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still wish for agreement.

But many participants remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was captured by a single delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a full bottle.”