Your Party's Inaugural Gathering Shows Scant Sign of a New Beginning

At the idea of a recent leftwing party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals registered their intent in becoming members.

Even though it became quickly beset by arguments – its leaders disagreed intensely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's first major event would herald a new beginning.

Troubling Opening Day

Many of the attendees are former Labour members, disappointed by the direction of the incumbent leadership and looking for a new party as they worry about the growing influence of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a short distance from the conference site.

Leadership Disagreement

It became evident there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with one person chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members chose this approach.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, indicate 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 ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about various associates and party administrators whom she thinks are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Strains escalated significantly around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – particularly the the political group. Her representative described this as a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the Electoral Commission – were angry, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “sideshow”. They feel allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings turned into group conflicts when they would have wanted to discuss crucial matters such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is still considering if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some supporters think the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

The result is unclear if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – 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 wish for unity.

But the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they departed of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was captured by a single participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a full bottle.”