Differences between Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn over admitting Socialist Workers Party members have marred Your Party’s inaugural conference, raising questions about whether the fledgling movement can achieve a fresh start.
The conference, held in Liverpool over the weekend, was expected to signal unity after months of internal rows. However, Sultana boycotted the first day in solidarity with would-be delegates turned away due to affiliations with other leftwing groups, particularly the Socialist Workers Party. Her spokesperson described the exclusion as a “witch-hunt”.
Meanwhile, Corbyn allies accused Sultana of staging a “sideshow”. The former Labour leader told journalists he favoured a traditional leadership model and suggested he would run if members voted for that option. Sultana, however, supports a collective leadership structure and indicated she would stand against Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.
Many of the 2,500 delegates expressed frustration that factionalism overshadowed discussions on key issues like the cost of living crisis and immigration. The party has yet to decide whether to field its own candidates or back socialist independents in next year’s local elections.
Results of key votes on the party’s permanent name and leadership structure are expected on Sunday. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, offering some hope for unity. Yet most delegates left the conference hall despondent, with one summing up the mood: “It feels like we’re repeating the same mistakes.”
