🔗 Share this article

At the idea of a fresh leftwing party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in becoming members.

Despite being quickly beset by disputes – its leaders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and funding model – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a fresh start.

Concerning First Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, disappointed by the direction of the incumbent leadership and looking for a political home as they worry about the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the duo to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

But when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a mile from the conference site.

Governance Division

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a traditional leadership model, with a single individual elected to take charge, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members chose this option.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being made by lay members – those not already serving as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and group leaders whom she thinks are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Conflict reached a peak around midday when it emerged Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in alliance with potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – particularly the the SWP. Her aide described this as a “targeted purge”, stating: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were angry, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “Although it isn't registered with the election authority but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings descended into group conflicts when they would have rather focus on important topics such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, 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 supporters feel the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The result is unclear if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has comforted those who still desire agreement.

However many participants remained despondent as they departed of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the atmosphere of the day was captured by an individual delegate, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a entire container.”