🔗 Share this article

At the idea of a new progressive party led by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals expressed an interest in participating.

Although it was quickly beset by arguments – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would herald a new beginning.

Disappointing First Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the policies of the current government and looking for a ideological base as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the pair to the well-known duo, remarking: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

But when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a short distance from the venue.

Governance Conflict

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a traditional leadership model, with a single individual voted into power, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members selected this approach.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with important choices being taken by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and group leaders whom she feels are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is understood that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Protest and Factionalism

Conflict reached a peak around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – particularly the the SWP. Her representative labeled this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the election authority – were incensed, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “sideshow”. They think allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not registered with the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s events descended into factionalism when they would have wanted to discuss important topics such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is still considering if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some members think the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Hope for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still wish for cohesion.

However most delegates remained disheartened as they made their way of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was expressed by one participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a full bottle.”