🔗 Share this article

As the notion of a recent socialist party led by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by arguments – its leaders disagreed intensely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's first major event would represent a renewed effort.

Troubling Opening Day

A significant portion of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the agenda of the incumbent leadership and searching for a new party as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the well-known duo, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

Yet when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a brief walk from the venue.

Leadership Conflict

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual elected to take charge, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this approach.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with important choices being made by lay members – those not currently acting as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “single leaders”. She did, however, state she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about various associates and group leaders whom she feels are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Strains reached a peak around midday when it emerged Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – especially the the SWP. Her spokesperson described this as a “political persecution”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the Electoral Commission – were furious, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one associate said: “It might not be formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Delegates

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s activities descended into factionalism when they would have rather discuss important topics such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is still considering if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some participants feel the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for Sunday

The result is unclear if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the official title and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still wish for cohesion.

Yet most delegates remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was summed up by a single delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a entire container.”