The New Left's Inaugural Event Displays Little Sign of a Fresh Start

As the notion of a fresh leftwing party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals registered their intent in joining.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by disputes – its leaders disagreed intensely over its early governance and funding model – many expected this weekend's first major event would herald a new beginning.

Disappointing First Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the direction of the incumbent leadership and searching for a political home as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have resolved their differences. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the venue.

Leadership Division

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he supported a established hierarchical structure, with one person elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members chose this option.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with crucial policies being taken by ordinary participants – those not presently working as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – 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 feels are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Tensions escalated significantly around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – particularly the the political group. Her spokesperson labeled this a “political persecution”, stating: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the Electoral Commission – were incensed, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “It might not be registered with the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings turned into factionalism when they would have rather focus on important topics such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as preparing 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 participants think the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

It remains to be seen if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still hope for cohesion.

But the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they departed of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was summed up by an individual delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a entire container.”