The New Left's First Conference Shows Scant Evidence of a Clean Slate

At the idea of a new leftwing party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number expressed an interest in joining.

Despite being quickly beset by internal conflicts – its leaders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and funding model – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a new beginning.

Concerning First Day

A significant portion of the participants are former Labour members, unhappy about the policies of the present administration and looking for a ideological base as they worry about the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the well-known duo, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

However when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the location.

Leadership Division

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual chosen to lead, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this system.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with important choices being decided by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about some of his allies and party administrators whom she believes are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Factionalism

Tensions reached a peak around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her aide described this as a “political persecution”, adding: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the election authority – were incensed, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They think allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s events turned into group conflicts when they would have wanted to address crucial matters such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters think the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still hope for agreement.

Yet most delegates remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was summed up by one delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a bottle.”