The New Left's First Conference Displays Few Evidence of a Fresh Start

At the idea of a fresh socialist party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number showed enthusiasm in joining.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and funding model – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a new beginning.

Concerning First Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, disappointed by the direction of the present administration and seeking a ideological base as they are concerned by the rise of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the pair to the well-known duo, saying: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

However when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a short distance from the location.

Governance Conflict

It became evident there was no unified position on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this system.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, however, suggest she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and party administrators whom she thinks are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Factionalism

Conflict reached a peak around midday when it emerged Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her aide described this as a “targeted purge”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the election authority – were incensed, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be registered with the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Participants

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s events descended into group conflicts when they would have rather focus on important topics such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some members think the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

It remains to be seen if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still wish for cohesion.

Yet most delegates remained disheartened as they made their way of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was expressed by a single delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a entire container.”