🔗 Share this article

As the notion of a recent progressive party led by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that a vast number registered their intent in participating.

Although it was quickly beset by disputes – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a fresh start.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the participants are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the agenda of the present administration and seeking a new party as they worry about the growing influence of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the pair to the well-known duo, remarking: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

But when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop 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 preferred a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader voted into power, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this approach.

But, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with important choices being taken by lay members – those not currently acting as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, however, state she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about various associates and group leaders whom she believes are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Conflict escalated significantly around midday when it became known Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – especially the the SWP. Her spokesperson labeled this a “targeted purge”, commenting: “It is essential to create 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 election authority – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one associate said: “It might not be registered with the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Participants

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s activities turned into internal disputes when they would have wanted to focus on crucial matters such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as preparing 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 feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

It remains to be seen if the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still desire cohesion.

But the majority of attendees remained despondent as they made their way of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was expressed by a single attendee, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a entire container.”