The Corbyn-Sultana Inaugural Gathering Reveals Few Sign of a New Beginning

As the notion of a new leftwing party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in joining.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and funding model – many expected this weekend's first major event would represent a renewed effort.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, disappointed by the policies of the current government and seeking a new party as they worry about the rise of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the well-known duo, saying: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

But when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a short distance from the conference site.

Structure Conflict

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members chose this approach.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they hoped the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and group leaders whom she thinks are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – added 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”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Tensions escalated significantly around midday when it emerged Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – notably the the political group. Her representative labeled this a “witch-hunt”, adding: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were furious, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

On the status of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings descended into group conflicts when they would have preferred to address key issues such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some members believe the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

It remains to be seen if the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still wish for agreement.

However the majority of attendees remained despondent as they departed of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by a single attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a entire container.”