Your Party's Launch Event Shows Scant Evidence of a New Beginning

At the idea of a new progressive party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by disputes – its leaders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and financial approach – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a fresh start.

Concerning First Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the policies of the present administration and looking for a political home as they are concerned by 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 progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

However when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a mile from the conference site.

Leadership Conflict

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual voted into power, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this option.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with crucial policies being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, however, indicate she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and group leaders whom she believes are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Conflict escalated significantly around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – notably the the SWP. Her spokesperson called this a “witch-hunt”, adding: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the regulatory body – were furious, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “secondary event”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be officially listed by the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s activities turned into group conflicts when they would have preferred to focus on crucial matters such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is still considering if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some members believe the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the party’s permanent name and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still wish for cohesion.

But many participants remained despondent as they departed of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was summed up by an individual delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a bottle.”