The New Left's First Conference Reveals Few Indication of a New Beginning

As the notion of a recent leftwing party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that a vast number showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would signal a fresh start.

Disappointing First Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the agenda of the current government and seeking a ideological base as they worry about the rise of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

Yet when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a brief walk from the location.

Leadership Division

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he favoured a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this system.

But, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about certain supporters and party administrators whom she feels are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Strains reached a peak around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in alliance with potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – particularly the the political group. Her spokesperson labeled this a “targeted purge”, stating: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were furious, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “Even if it is not registered with the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Disappointment Among Participants

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by factionalism when they would have wanted to address key issues such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

The group is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some participants think the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

The result is unclear if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has encouraged those who still wish for agreement.

But most delegates remained discouraged as they departed of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was captured by a single participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a bottle.”