🔗 Share this article

At the idea of a new progressive party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Even though it became quickly beset by internal conflicts – its leaders rowed bitterly over its early governance and financial approach – many expected this weekend's first major event would represent a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the agenda of the incumbent leadership and looking for a ideological base as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the duo to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a brief walk from the venue.

Governance Disagreement

It became evident there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a traditional leadership model, with a single individual elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this option.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with key decisions being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about some of his allies and party administrators whom she thinks are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is understood that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Tensions came to a head around midday when it became known Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to membership in other leftwing groups – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson called this a “political persecution”, adding: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the election authority – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “sideshow”. They think permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be formally recognized by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s events turned into group conflicts when they would have rather focus on key issues such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

The group is still considering if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters feel the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the official title and governance model – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has reassured those who still wish for agreement.

However most delegates remained discouraged as they departed of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the atmosphere of the day was summed up by an individual delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a entire container.”