Full Breakdown
The Battle for Control of Your Party: Grassroots Left Emerges
1/12/2026, 7:45:15 PM
Central Event: Formation of Grassroots Left Slate
Nominations for the central executive committee (CEC) of Your Party commenced on January 5, 2026, with the election results scheduled for February 26. The contest intensified on September 11, when co-founder Zarah Sultana announced the formation of the Grassroots Left slate, aimed at promoting maximum member democracy and opposing top-down leadership. The slate initially included Jeremy Corbyn, another co-founder, but it was later revealed that he had not consented to this inclusion. Sources close to Corbyn indicated he was upset by the unauthorized use of his name, which misrepresented his stance on the slate's policies.
Key Figures and Groups: Sultana and Corbyn
Zarah Sultana, a prominent figure in Your Party, is running for a public office holder role on the CEC. She has previously expressed her intention to serve as the party's parliamentary spokesperson, a role not defined in the party's constitution. Sultana emphasized that the Grassroots Left slate is about empowering members, stating, “Members didn’t join to be spectators while decisions are stitched up at the top.” Alongside her are other notable figures, including Max Shanly and Michael Lavalette, although Lavalette has clarified that he is running as an Independent and is not formally part of the slate.
Policies and Proposals of Grassroots Left
The Grassroots Left slate advocates for significant changes within Your Party, including allocating 50% of members' fees directly to local branches, conducting independent audits of party finances, and promoting workers' control and democratic ownership over capitalism. These proposals align with Sultana's previous calls for enhanced member democracy during the party's conference in November.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the controversy surrounding his name's inclusion, a source close to Corbyn stated, “Jeremy will be laying out his vision for Your Party in the coming days, including his ambition to help build a diverse and broad-based movement for the change this country needs.” This statement underscores Corbyn's intention to articulate his own vision separate from the Grassroots Left slate.
Criticism and Opposition: Internal Divisions
The internal dynamics of Your Party are marked by significant tension, particularly between Sultana and Corbyn. Critics of Sultana's approach argue that her public announcements have been made without Corbyn's consent, potentially undermining the collective leadership model that party members opted for. This situation has led to speculation about the future direction of the party and the potential for a public confrontation between its co-founders.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the extent of Corbyn's involvement with the Grassroots Left slate. While sources close to him assert he was not involved in the planning and did not endorse the slate, the initial announcement suggested otherwise. This conflict raises questions about the unity and direction of Your Party as it navigates its internal election campaign.
What's Next: Upcoming Elections
As the nomination period closes on January 16, the internal election campaign for Your Party is set to unfold over the next two months. The outcomes of these elections will likely shape the future leadership and policies of the party, determining whether Sultana's or Corbyn's vision prevails.
