Your Party's Inaugural Event Reveals Few Evidence of a Fresh Start

When the concept of a new progressive party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in joining.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its founders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a fresh start.

Disappointing Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the policies of the incumbent leadership and seeking a ideological base as they fear the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the well-known duo, saying: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

However when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a short distance from the conference site.

Structure Disagreement

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this system.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with key decisions being decided by ordinary participants – those not already serving as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and group leaders whom she feels are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Protest and Factionalism

Conflict escalated significantly around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to membership in other leftwing groups – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her representative labeled this a “targeted purge”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the regulatory body – were furious, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “secondary event”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not registered with the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Participants

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s events turned into internal disputes when they would have wanted to address key issues such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some members believe the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Hope for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still hope for unity.

But many participants remained disheartened as they departed of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was expressed by an individual delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a bottle.”