The Corbyn-Sultana Inaugural Gathering Displays Few Sign of a Clean Slate

At the idea of a new socialist party led by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that a vast number showed enthusiasm in joining.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its founders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would signal a new beginning.

Disappointing First Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are ex-supporters of Labour, disappointed by the direction of the current government and seeking a ideological base as they fear the rise of the rival party.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the duo to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

But when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a brief walk from the location.

Governance Disagreement

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a traditional leadership model, with a single individual chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members selected this approach.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with important choices being decided by ordinary participants – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about various associates and Your Party officials whom she believes are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Group Conflicts

Strains came to a head around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her aide called this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the election authority – were furious, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They think allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

On the status of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be registered with the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Participants

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s events turned into factionalism when they would have rather address crucial matters such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some members believe the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

The result is unclear if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still hope for cohesion.

But many participants remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was expressed by one attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a bottle.”