🔗 Share this article

At the idea of a new socialist party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in becoming members.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its leaders clashed fiercely over its early governance and financial approach – many expected this weekend's first major event would represent a renewed effort.

Concerning First Day

Many of the attendees are former Labour members, unhappy about the policies of the incumbent leadership and looking for a ideological base as they fear the rise of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

But when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the venue.

Governance Disagreement

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this approach.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being decided by ordinary participants – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she feels are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Factionalism

Strains escalated significantly around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her aide labeled this a “political persecution”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the regulatory body – were angry, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “distraction”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't registered with the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s events descended into factionalism when they would have rather focus on crucial matters such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some members believe the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still hope for cohesion.

Yet the majority of attendees remained despondent as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by one delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a full bottle.”