The Corbyn-Sultana First Conference Reveals Little Sign of a Clean Slate

At the idea of a new progressive party led by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in participating.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's launch gathering would signal a fresh start.

Concerning First Day

A significant portion of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the policies of the incumbent leadership and looking for a political home as they worry about the growing influence of the rival party.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

However when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a brief walk from the venue.

Governance Disagreement

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he supported a traditional leadership model, with a single individual voted into power, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this approach.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with key decisions being made by ordinary participants – those not presently working as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and group leaders whom she believes are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is known that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Group Conflicts

Conflict came to a head around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson called this a “political persecution”, commenting: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the election authority – were incensed, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “It might not be registered with the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s activities descended into group conflicts when they would have wanted to address important topics such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some members feel the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still desire agreement.

Yet most delegates remained disheartened as they departed of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was summed up by an individual delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a full bottle.”