Infighting and Leadership Disputes Mar Your Party's Inaugural Conference
Published 29 November 2025
Highlights
- Zarah Sultana boycotted the first day of Your Party's inaugural conference, citing a "witch hunt" against left-wing activists.
- Jeremy Corbyn and Sultana are at odds over leadership structure, with Corbyn favoring a single leader and Sultana advocating for collective leadership.
- Several members were expelled for affiliations with other political parties, sparking internal tensions and accusations of a toxic culture.
- Sultana has been criticized for not transferring all of Your Party's donations, with £200,000 still pending due to legal formalities.
- The party's founding conference has been marred by infighting, with two MPs resigning and ongoing disputes over leadership and membership rules.
-
Rewritten Article
Title: Infighting and Leadership Disputes Mar Your Party's Inaugural Conference
The inaugural conference of Your Party, co-founded by Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn, has been overshadowed by internal discord and leadership disputes. Sultana, a prominent figure in the new left-wing political movement, boycotted the first day of the conference, accusing party officials of conducting a "witch hunt" against activists with ties to other left-wing groups.
Leadership Tensions Emerge
The conference, held in Liverpool, was intended to mark a fresh start for the party, which has attracted many former Labour members. However, disagreements over the party's leadership structure have surfaced, with Corbyn advocating for a traditional single-leader model, while Sultana supports a collective leadership approach. Corbyn hinted at his willingness to stand as leader if members choose that path, but Sultana has expressed her readiness to contest him if necessary.
Expulsions and Accusations of a Toxic Culture
The party's decision to expel members affiliated with other political organizations, such as the Socialist Workers Party, has fueled accusations of a toxic culture. Sultana condemned the expulsions, stating, "This witch hunt is indefensible," and emphasized the need for a party that welcomes all socialists. Corbyn, however, defended the expulsions, citing membership rules that prohibit affiliations with other registered parties.
Financial Disputes and Resignations
Financial controversies have also plagued the party's early days. Sultana has faced criticism for not transferring all of Your Party's donations, with £200,000 still held by a company she controls. She has promised to resolve the issue as legal details are finalized. Meanwhile, internal tensions have led to the resignation of two MPs, Adnan Hussain and Iqbal Mohamed, who cited the party's internal strife as their reason for leaving.
A Call for Unity Amidst Chaos
Despite the turmoil, Corbyn called for unity in his conference speech, urging members to seize the opportunity to build a socialist party with mass appeal. He emphasized the importance of public, democratic ownership of industries and rallied members with a call to action on various social issues.
-
Scenario Analysis
The ongoing disputes within Your Party could significantly impact its future trajectory. If the leadership structure remains unresolved, it may lead to further divisions and weaken the party's ability to present a united front. The financial issues surrounding the party's donations could also erode trust among members and supporters if not addressed promptly.
Politically, the party's ability to attract disillusioned Labour supporters and other left-wing activists hinges on its capacity to resolve internal conflicts and present a coherent vision. Experts suggest that a failure to do so could limit its influence and appeal in the broader political landscape.
As the party navigates these challenges, its leaders will need to balance the diverse interests of its members while maintaining a focus on its core socialist principles. The outcome of these internal debates will likely shape the party's identity and its role in the UK's political arena.
The inaugural conference of Your Party, co-founded by Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn, has been overshadowed by internal discord and leadership disputes. Sultana, a prominent figure in the new left-wing political movement, boycotted the first day of the conference, accusing party officials of conducting a "witch hunt" against activists with ties to other left-wing groups.
Leadership Tensions Emerge
The conference, held in Liverpool, was intended to mark a fresh start for the party, which has attracted many former Labour members. However, disagreements over the party's leadership structure have surfaced, with Corbyn advocating for a traditional single-leader model, while Sultana supports a collective leadership approach. Corbyn hinted at his willingness to stand as leader if members choose that path, but Sultana has expressed her readiness to contest him if necessary.
Expulsions and Accusations of a Toxic Culture
The party's decision to expel members affiliated with other political organizations, such as the Socialist Workers Party, has fueled accusations of a toxic culture. Sultana condemned the expulsions, stating, "This witch hunt is indefensible," and emphasized the need for a party that welcomes all socialists. Corbyn, however, defended the expulsions, citing membership rules that prohibit affiliations with other registered parties.
Financial Disputes and Resignations
Financial controversies have also plagued the party's early days. Sultana has faced criticism for not transferring all of Your Party's donations, with £200,000 still held by a company she controls. She has promised to resolve the issue as legal details are finalized. Meanwhile, internal tensions have led to the resignation of two MPs, Adnan Hussain and Iqbal Mohamed, who cited the party's internal strife as their reason for leaving.
A Call for Unity Amidst Chaos
Despite the turmoil, Corbyn called for unity in his conference speech, urging members to seize the opportunity to build a socialist party with mass appeal. He emphasized the importance of public, democratic ownership of industries and rallied members with a call to action on various social issues.
What this might mean
The ongoing disputes within Your Party could significantly impact its future trajectory. If the leadership structure remains unresolved, it may lead to further divisions and weaken the party's ability to present a united front. The financial issues surrounding the party's donations could also erode trust among members and supporters if not addressed promptly.
Politically, the party's ability to attract disillusioned Labour supporters and other left-wing activists hinges on its capacity to resolve internal conflicts and present a coherent vision. Experts suggest that a failure to do so could limit its influence and appeal in the broader political landscape.
As the party navigates these challenges, its leaders will need to balance the diverse interests of its members while maintaining a focus on its core socialist principles. The outcome of these internal debates will likely shape the party's identity and its role in the UK's political arena.
