Your Party is bracing for a potential proxy war between supporters of Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, after members voted for a collective leadership model at its inaugural conference. The decision narrowly avoided a direct leadership contest between the two former Labour MPs, who have clashed over key issues since the party's formation.
Under the agreed model, a 16-strong central executive committee will guide the party, alongside four office-holding members: Corbyn, Sultana, and independent MPs Shockat Adam and Ayoub Khan. The executive will elect roles including chair, vice-chair, and spokesperson, who will serve as the party's public political leadership.
Despite avoiding a one-to-one contest, insiders warn that the battle for the party's soul continues. One party source said, 'Effectively, it means the battle continues, but via their representatives.' Another source described the collective model as a 'de-escalatory option' that was 'good news for the party.'
Disagreements were evident at the Liverpool conference, with Sultana boycotting the first day in protest over the expulsion of some of her supporters for being members of other political parties. One insider noted, 'We're long past happy families.'
In a separate policy decision, members voted to adopt a targeted electoral strategy, standing only in winnable seats. This move paves the way for potential electoral pacts with the Green Party, though no formal agreement is in place. The decision could influence local elections next year, particularly in areas like Hackney, where the Greens are building momentum.
