The New Left's First Conference Shows Little Evidence of a New Beginning

When the concept of a fresh leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in joining.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's first major event would signal a renewed effort.

Disappointing Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the policies of the incumbent leadership and searching for a political home as they worry about the growing influence of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

However when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a mile from the conference site.

Structure Conflict

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he supported a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual voted into power, and indicated he’d be prepared to compete if members chose this approach.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being made by lay members – those not currently acting as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, however, indicate she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and group leaders whom she believes are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Strains reached a peak around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her representative labeled this a “targeted purge”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the regulatory body – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “distraction”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “It might not be formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s activities descended into internal disputes when they would have rather focus on key issues such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still hope for cohesion.

Yet most delegates remained discouraged as they made their way of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was captured by an individual delegate, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a full bottle.”