The newly formed Your Party, spearheaded by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, convened its first conference in Liverpool over the weekend. The event, intended to solidify the party's foundation, was overshadowed by internal conflicts and a significant reduction in expected attendance.

Internal Strife and Boycotts

The conference began on a tumultuous note, with founding member Zarah Sultana boycotting the first day. Sultana, a former Labour MP now sitting as an independent, protested the expulsion of members linked to other left-wing parties, describing the actions as a "witch hunt." Party officials defended the expulsions, citing breaches of rules prohibiting dual party memberships.

Leadership Model and Membership Rules

A pivotal moment of the conference was the narrow vote in favor of a "collective leadership" model, a decision seen as a victory for Sultana. This model will see a member-led executive making key decisions, with roles such as chair and spokesperson providing public leadership. The vote also allowed for dual membership with other political groups, provided these affiliations align with Your Party's values and receive executive approval.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite the foundational challenges, Corbyn emphasized unity in his opening speech, urging members to seize the "unique opportunity" to establish a socialist party with mass appeal. However, the party faces significant hurdles, including competition from the Green Party, which has gained momentum under its new leader, Zack Polanski.