🔗 Share this article The New Left's Launch Gathering Shows Little Evidence of a Clean Slate When the concept of a fresh leftwing party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number registered their intent in becoming members. Despite being almost immediately plagued by disputes – its founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's first major event would herald a renewed effort. Disappointing Opening Day A sizeable chunk of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the agenda of the present administration and looking for a ideological base as they worry about the growing influence of the competing political group. While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.” However when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the venue. Governance Disagreement It became evident there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members chose this system. But, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being made by ordinary participants – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader. Problematic Environment Despite Sultana claiming she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and party administrators whom she thinks are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense. The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”. Boycott and Factionalism Tensions came to a head around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other leftwing groups – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her representative labeled this a “targeted purge”, stating: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.” Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “secondary event”. They feel allowing multiparty membership would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization. On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “It might not be formally recognized by the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.” Disappointment Among Delegates A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by internal disputes when they would have wanted to address important topics such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections. The new organization is still considering if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some supporters think the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour. Expectation for The Second Day The result is unclear if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has reassured those who still hope for cohesion. However the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they departed of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was summed up by an individual delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a full bottle.”