A significant decision was made at the inaugural conference of the new leftwing party, Your Party, as members voted to retain this name permanently. This decision follows a tense weekend in Liverpool, where divisions within the party became evident. Approximately 37.06% of members supported the name that was initially adopted during its launch earlier this year. Other options on the ballot included “For The Many,” and “Popular Alliance,” both receiving 25.23% of votes, while “Our Party” garnered 14.19%.
The conference witnessed a notable clash between key figures, particularly Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn. Sultana, who has often been at odds with Corbyn, escalated tensions on Sunday by criticizing party leadership for the expulsion of several members associated with the Socialist Workers Party. Her absence from the first day’s discussions highlighted her discontent with these decisions, which she described as undemocratic.
In a closely contested vote, members agreed, by 51.6% to 48.4%, to establish a new member-led executive to steer the party, differing from Corbyn’s preference for a singular leadership model. Corbyn expressed concerns that a collective leadership structure could confuse the public, asserting that clarity is often lost when a group leads instead of one individual.
As the conference concluded with attendees singing “Bella ciao,” an Italian anti-fascist folk song, Corbyn called for unity, acknowledging the frustrations surrounding the party’s formation. He extended his gratitude to Karie Murphy, his former chief of staff, who has become a divisive figure within Your Party.
The decision to embrace a collective leadership model may alleviate immediate tensions between Corbyn and Sultana but leaves the door open for potential changes in leadership structure ahead of the next general election. Sultana welcomed this outcome, emphasizing her commitment to “maximum member democracy” since the party’s inception. However, critics within the party have accused her faction of undermining Corbyn’s position and pushing a more extreme socialist agenda.
During her address, Sultana acknowledged the challenges faced during the party’s establishment, referring to the internal conflicts and financial disputes that have caused distress among members. She reiterated the need for the party to confront the issues from the previous day’s events, stating, “The expulsions, bans, and censorship on the conference floor are unacceptable.” Her comments received applause from a portion of the audience, reflecting the divided sentiments among attendees.
Opponents accused Sultana of attempting to marginalize more socially conservative members and opening the party to extremist influences. The debates that followed her remarks were heated, with calls from the floor for a change in the current leadership. Sultana also reiterated her stance on the party’s position regarding Israel, advocating for a clear anti-Zionist policy.
In a significant development, members voted to allow dual membership with other political groups, with 69.2% in favor and 30.8% against. This decision comes in the wake of Sultana’s refusal to enter the conference hall in solidarity with expelled delegates, whom she viewed as victims of a “witch-hunt.”
Corbyn acknowledged during his opening remarks the “mistakes” made in the party’s foundation and emphasized the unique opportunity they have to create a “socialist party of mass appeal.” Yet, the internal strife has overshadowed efforts to establish a coherent identity, leading to a poorly executed membership launch and resulting in the withdrawal of two independent MPs, Adnan Hussain and Iqbal Mohamed, from the founding process.
As the party continues to navigate these challenges, it faces increasing competition from other left-wing movements, notably the Green Party, which has gained momentum under its new leader, Zack Polanski. The coming months will be critical as Your Party seeks to solidify its place in the political landscape while addressing internal divisions.
