Your Party faces a potential proxy war between supporters of Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana after members opted for a collective model of leadership, insiders have warned. Members voted narrowly in favour of a 16-strong central executive committee at the party's inaugural conference, avoiding a direct contest between the two figures.
The pair have fallen out over several issues, including Sultana unilaterally announcing the party's formation and a dispute over membership fees. Tensions were visible at the Liverpool conference, with Sultana boycotting the first day in protest over the expulsion of some of her supporters for being members of other parties.
One party insider said: 'We're long past happy families. Effectively what it means is that the battle continues, but via their representatives.' Another source described the collective model as a 'de-escalatory option', but warned that infighting must end for the party's survival.
Under the agreed structure, 16 ordinary members will join four office-holders—Corbyn, Sultana, and MPs Shockat Adam and Ayoub Khan—on the governing executive. The executive will elect roles such as chair, vice-chair and spokesperson. A source warned that if Sultana's supporters dominate, the other MPs might leave.
In a separate decision, Your Party adopted a targeted electoral strategy, only contesting seats with good chances of winning. This move has been interpreted as a step towards a potential electoral pact with the Green Party, though no formal deal is in place.
