🔗 Share this article

As the notion of a fresh socialist party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by arguments – its leaders rowed bitterly over its early governance and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's launch gathering would signal a renewed effort.

Troubling First Day

Many of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the agenda of the present administration and searching for a political home as they worry about the rise of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the famous musical siblings, stating: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

However when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a mile from the venue.

Leadership Division

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual elected to take charge, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this system.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with key decisions being taken by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she believes are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Conflict reached a peak around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her aide called this a “targeted purge”, stating: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the Electoral Commission – were angry, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “secondary event”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing 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 name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s events became dominated by factionalism when they would have wanted to focus on important topics such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is still considering if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some participants feel the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Hope for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still desire unity.

However many participants remained disheartened as they made their way of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was captured by a single delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a entire container.”