The Corbyn-Sultana Inaugural Conference Displays Few Evidence of a New Beginning

When the concept of a recent leftwing party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by disputes – its founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a renewed effort.

Troubling First Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the policies of the incumbent leadership and seeking a new party as they fear the growing influence of the rival party.

As plans for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the well-known duo, saying: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

However when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a mile from the venue.

Structure Conflict

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he supported a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual voted into power, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members voted for this system.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being decided by lay members – those not already serving as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about some of his allies and group leaders whom she feels are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is known that relations between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Protest and Factionalism

Tensions escalated significantly around midday when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – notably the the political group. Her spokesperson called this a “witch-hunt”, stating: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the Electoral Commission – were furious, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “distraction”. They feel allowing multiparty membership would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings descended into internal disputes when they would have wanted to address key issues such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders 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 alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The result is unclear if the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has encouraged those who still desire cohesion.

But most delegates remained disheartened as they made their way of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by an individual participant, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a bottle.”