🔗 Share this article

As the notion 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 countless individuals registered their intent in participating.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its early governance and funding model – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would signal a new beginning.

Troubling First Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the direction of the present administration and looking for a new party as they fear the increasing popularity of the rival party.

As plans for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have resolved their differences. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the well-known duo, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a brief walk from the conference site.

Governance Conflict

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and implied he’d be likely to run if members chose this option.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with crucial policies being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about certain supporters and party administrators whom she believes are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Factionalism

Conflict came to a head around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – notably the the political group. Her representative described this as a “witch-hunt”, adding: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the Electoral Commission – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

On the status of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the election authority but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by factionalism when they would have wanted to discuss crucial matters such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants think the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still wish for agreement.

But most delegates remained despondent as they made their way of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was summed up by one attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a bottle.”