🔗 Share this article

As the notion of a fresh progressive party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in joining.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a fresh start.

Concerning First Day

A significant portion of the attendees are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the policies of the incumbent leadership and looking for a ideological base as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the rival party.

As plans for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the duo to the well-known duo, saying: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

But when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a brief walk from the location.

Structure Conflict

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he favoured a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader voted into power, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members chose this approach.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with important choices being taken by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about certain supporters and party administrators whom she believes are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Strains reached a peak around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson called this a “witch-hunt”, stating: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the Electoral Commission – were angry, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by internal disputes when they would have rather address important topics such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters feel the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the final designation and governance model – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still desire unity.

However most delegates remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was expressed by one attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a bottle.”