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Deep divisions threatened to derail the inaugural conference of "Your Party" in Liverpool this weekend as co-founder Zarah Sultana boycotted the opening day, accusing party officials of orchestrating a "witch hunt."
The chaotic start to the founding gathering of the new left-wing alternative to Labour saw Jeremy Corbyn issuing desperate pleas for unity, even as his fellow MP and co-founder refused to enter the hall. The standoff comes ahead of a critical vote on Sunday that will decide the party's future structure and leadership.
The Leadership Battle: Single vs. Collective
The central drama of the weekend revolves around a pivotal vote on the party's leadership structure. Members will decide between two distinct paths:
- Single Leader Model: This traditional structure is favored by Mr. Corbyn.
- Collective Lay-Member Leadership: This model, advocated by Ms. Sultana, would see power shared among grassroots members rather than centered on a single parliamentary figure.
What are the likely results?
Insiders suggest a victory for the single leader model is the most probable outcome. Mr. Corbyn confirmed to journalists on Saturday that he would "probably favor" this model and signaled his readiness to stand, stating he is "happy to serve the party in whatever capacity."
Is a single leader win helpful for Jeremy Corbyn?
Yes. A vote for a single leader would effectively cement Mr. Corbyn’s control over the party machinery. It would allow him to bypass the internal gridlock that has plagued the party's formation and present a unified "face" to the electorate. However, critics argue this reinforces the "top-down" style he claims to oppose.
Will he win the vote next year?
If the single-leader model is adopted this weekend, Mr. Corbyn is the overwhelming favorite to win the subsequent leadership election. While he declined to confirm an official bid until the structure is ratified, his dominance over the membership base makes him the presumptive winner.
Who comes in if Collective Leadership wins?
If the membership defies expectations and votes for a collective lay-member leadership, control would shift away from MPs entirely. This would likely result in a steering committee comprised of trade unionists and grassroots activists, potentially sidelining both Corbyn and Sultana from executive power.
Sultana’s Boycott: "Toxic Culture" and "Witch Hunts"
The conference descended into acrimony on Saturday morning when Zarah Sultana, the MP for Coventry South, announced she would not enter the ACC Liverpool conference center. Her boycott was triggered after her ally, Kingston Councillor James Giles, was reportedly denied entry, and other members were expelled on Friday night over alleged links to the Socialist Workers Party (SWP).
"I am disappointed to see on the morning of our founding conference... people being told that they have been expelled," Ms. Sultana said outside the venue. "That is a culture that is reminiscent of the Labour Party... witch hunts on the eve of conference."
Sultana’s team described the expulsions as indefensible, accusing unnamed bureaucrats within the party of "paranoia and an obsession with control."
A party spokesperson hit back, denying any "purge" and insisting that those removed had breached clear rules banning membership in rival political organizations.
Is Sultana Remaining in Key Leadership?
Despite the public fallout, Ms. Sultana has refused to be "pushed out." However, her position appears increasingly isolated.
While she insisted she is a "democrat" who will support Mr. Corbyn if he is elected leader, she candidly revealed that her preferred option of a "Co-Leadership" structure was blocked from the ballot by a "nameless, faceless bureaucrat."
When asked about their relationship, Mr. Corbyn declined to call Ms. Sultana a "friend," instead describing them as "colleagues in parliament" who "obviously communicate." This cooling of relations suggests that while she may remain a prominent MP within the party, her influence on the executive decision-making process is waning.
Departures and "Same Old Politics"
The infighting in Liverpool follows months of turbulence that has already seen two MPs quit the fledgling party.
Iqbal Mohamed (Dewsbury and Batley) and Adnan Hussain (Blackburn) have both withdrawn from the party’s steering group. Mr. Hussain cited "veiled prejudice" against Muslims and "persistent infighting" as reasons for his departure, while Mr. Mohamed blasted "false allegations and smears."
What’s Next? The Name and The Vote
Beyond the leadership struggle, members will vote to finalize the party’s name. The shortlisted options are:
- Your Party
- Our Party
- Popular Alliance
- For The Many
The results of the name change and the leadership structure will be announced on Sunday.
In his opening address, Mr. Corbyn attempted to steer the focus back to policy, attacking the Labour government’s "bureaucracy" and urging members to "campaign forevermore for real socialism."
"We are here in Liverpool with a huge responsibility," Corbyn told the hall. "We have got to come together and be united because division and disunity will not serve the interests of the people."
Whether that unity can be achieved while his co-founder stands in protest outside remains the defining question of the weekend.
