Your Party’s first conference in Liverpool has been marked by public divisions between co-founders Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, with the latter boycotting the opening day. The event, which drew around 2,500 delegates, many of them former Labour members, was intended to signal a fresh start for the fledgling left-wing movement, but instead exposed deep disagreements over leadership and membership.
Mr Corbyn used his opening address to advocate a traditional leadership model with a single elected leader, suggesting he would stand if members backed that option. Ms Sultana, however, has thrown her support behind a collective leadership structure, saying parties should not be run by “sole personalities”. She indicated she would be willing to contest a leadership election against Mr Corbyn if one were held.
The Coventry South MP stayed away from the venue on Saturday, instead appearing in a nearby cafe, in solidarity with would-be delegates linked to the Socialist Workers party who had been refused entry. Her spokesperson described the exclusions as a “witch-hunt”, adding that the party should “welcome all socialists”. Allies of Mr Corbyn reportedly accused her of staging a “sideshow” and argued that permitting multi-party membership would worsen factionalism.
Many delegates voiced frustration that procedural rows overshadowed discussion of policy issues such as the cost-of-living crisis and immigration. The party has yet to decide whether to field its own candidates or back socialist independents, and some members fear it will be judged a failure if it does not appear on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.
Key votes on the party’s permanent name and leadership structure are due on Sunday, when Ms Sultana is expected to deliver a speech. While that has offered some hope of unity, many delegates left the conference hall on Saturday feeling despondent, with one summarising the mood as one of disappointment.
