The Corbyn-Sultana Inaugural Conference Shows Scant Indication of a Clean Slate

At the idea of a recent leftwing party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals expressed an interest in becoming members.

Although it was quickly beset by internal conflicts – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's first major event would signal a fresh start.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the policies of the incumbent leadership and seeking a political home as they worry about the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the pair to the well-known duo, stating: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

However when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a mile from the conference site.

Leadership Conflict

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual chosen to lead, and implied he’d be likely to run if members voted for this approach.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they hoped the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she believes are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that relations between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Factionalism

Strains came to a head around midday when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her aide called this a “witch-hunt”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were angry, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be registered with the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Participants

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s activities descended into group conflicts when they would have preferred to discuss crucial matters such as the financial challenges and migration policy, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some participants think the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

It remains to be seen if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the official title and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has comforted those who still desire unity.

But most delegates remained despondent as they departed of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the atmosphere of the day was summed up by a single attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a entire container.”