Full Breakdown
Tensions Rise as Your Party Holds Inaugural Conference
11/29/2025, 8:22:58 PM
Internal Strains Within Your Party
The inaugural conference of Your Party, co-founded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, is taking place in Liverpool amid notable tensions between the two leaders. Corbyn, the former Labour leader, refrained from labeling Sultana as a friend, instead referring to her as a "colleague in parliament." This remark comes after public disagreements regarding the party's launch and organizational structure. Corbyn acknowledged "stresses and strains" within the party but expressed optimism about overcoming these challenges during the conference weekend.
Disagreements Over Leadership and Structure
Zarah Sultana, the MP for Coventry South, has voiced concerns about feeling "sidelined" within the party, attributing this to a "sexist boys' club." In response, Corbyn described her comments as an "unfortunate choice of words," asserting that he had been more involved in organizing the conference than she had. The conference will allow members to vote on the party's permanent name, with options including Your Party, Our Party, Popular Alliance, and For the Many. Notably, Sultana's preferred name, The Left, was excluded from the ballot.
Financial and Organizational Challenges
Corbyn highlighted the importance of financial contributions for the conference's success, noting that the party is still awaiting the transfer of funds raised by Sultana. She has stated that the donations will be transferred in stages, which has raised concerns about the party's financial readiness. Additionally, Sultana has advocated for a co-leader model, but the conference will only present options for single leadership or collective leadership.
Criticism and Member Expulsions
The conference is also marred by internal conflict, with reports of member expulsions that could disrupt proceedings. Lewis Nielsen, one of those expelled, accused a "clique" within the party of attempting to seize control. Sultana has criticized what she perceives as a "culture of paranoia at the top," suggesting that the same individuals who have been briefing against her are responsible for the expulsions.
Official Statements & Responses
Corbyn's remarks reflect a desire to unify the party despite the evident rifts. He stated that the situation has improved in recent days and expressed confidence in the party's ability to navigate the conference successfully. Meanwhile, Sultana's pre-conference rally highlighted her frustrations with party bureaucracy, blaming a "nameless, faceless bureaucrat" for limiting leadership options.
Verbatim Quotes
- “colleagues in parliament, and we obviously communicate and so on” — Jeremy Corbyn, Co-founder of Your Party
- “culture of paranoia at the top” — Zarah Sultana, MP for Coventry South
As Your Party embarks on this pivotal weekend, the outcomes of the conference will likely shape its future direction amidst ongoing internal conflicts.
