The New Left's First Conference Displays Few Sign of a New Beginning

When the concept of a recent socialist party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in becoming members.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would signal a fresh start.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the attendees are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the direction of the current government and seeking a new party as they are concerned by the rise of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the well-known duo, saying: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

However when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a mile from the venue.

Structure Conflict

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a traditional leadership model, with one person elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this system.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with important choices being made by lay members – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she believes are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is known that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had led to “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Strains came to a head around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her representative called this a “political persecution”, commenting: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the regulatory body – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “secondary event”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the new party.

On the status of the SWP, one associate said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s activities descended into factionalism when they would have rather focus on crucial matters such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some members feel the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still wish for agreement.

However many participants remained disheartened as they departed of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was captured by an individual delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a entire container.”