The Corbyn-Sultana Inaugural Gathering Reveals Scant Sign of a Fresh Start

As the notion of a new progressive party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that a vast number expressed an interest in joining.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by arguments – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are former Labour members, unhappy about the policies of the present administration and looking for a ideological base as they are concerned by the rise of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the famous musical siblings, stating: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

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

Leadership Conflict

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this system.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being decided by lay members – those not already serving as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a vote 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 “a positive, joyful experience where members are enabled” – she was scathing about certain supporters and group leaders whom she believes are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Factionalism

Tensions came to a head around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson described this as a “political persecution”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the election authority – were incensed, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

On the status of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be officially listed by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s events descended into internal disputes when they would have rather address key issues such as the financial challenges and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is still considering if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants believe the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has reassured those who still hope for cohesion.

Yet the majority of attendees remained despondent as they departed of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was expressed by one attendee, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a full bottle.”