The Corbyn-Sultana Inaugural Conference Displays Few Indication of a Clean Slate

At the idea of a new leftwing 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 joining.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by arguments – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its early governance and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would herald a fresh start.

Troubling First Day

A significant portion of the attendees are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the policies of the current government and looking for a new party as they worry about the rise of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the pair to the famous musical siblings, saying: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

But when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a mile from the location.

Governance Conflict

It became evident there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this system.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with key decisions being taken by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about various associates and group leaders whom she believes are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Internal Divisions

Conflict reached a peak around midday when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – notably the the political group. Her aide labeled this a “witch-hunt”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the election authority – were incensed, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They think allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not registered with the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Participants

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s activities descended into group conflicts when they would have preferred to focus on key issues such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters think the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still desire unity.

However the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was expressed by one delegate, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a full bottle.”