Differences between Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana over leadership and membership rules have marred the inaugural conference of Your Party, the new leftwing movement. The event in Liverpool, expected to signal a fresh start, instead exposed deep divisions as Sultana boycotted the first day in solidarity with Socialist Workers Party members barred from attending.
Sultana, who defected from Labour in July, accused Corbyn's allies of fostering a 'toxic culture' of 'bullying, intimidation and smears'. She supports a collective leadership model, while Corbyn favours a traditional single leader. The Coventry South MP indicated she would stand against Corbyn if a contest occurs.
Delegates expressed frustration that factionalism overshadowed discussions on key issues like the cost of living crisis and local election strategy. The party has yet to decide whether to field its own candidates or back independents. Key votes on the party's name and leadership structure are due on Sunday, but many remain pessimistic about unity.
