Your Party's inaugural conference in Liverpool this weekend has been overshadowed by internal power struggles, with organisers warning of potential disruptions including stage invasions by disgruntled members. Extra security has been hired amid fears that factional infighting could mar the event.
The tensions are rooted in escalating disagreements between Jeremy Corbyn, 76, and Zarah Sultana, the combative former Labour MP. Corbyn is portrayed as indecisive and ambivalent about the venture, while Sultana has enraged colleagues by making major decisions unilaterally. Insiders say Sultana has communicated with her supposed colleagues through lawyers for the past three months.
The split began on 3 July, dubbed 'terrible Thursday', when Sultana announced she was resigning from Labour and would jointly lead a new entity with Corbyn. Corbyn and his allies believed no decision on co-leadership had been made at a meeting earlier that day. Corbyn took until the next afternoon to respond publicly, tweeting that discussions were 'ongoing'.
Allies of Corbyn say he can be hard to pin down, with an aversion to open conflict. One source said: 'Jeremy can be a touch avoidant.' Another added: 'That’s always been the problem – he won’t say anything.' A source close to Corbyn disputed this, saying it was 'complete nonsense' that he disappeared to his allotment without his phone.
Corbyn said: 'Lots of people have said a lot of things about me. I will carry on representing my community in parliament and speaking out against inequality, poverty and war.' The party's policy platform, including community organising, internationalism, nationalisation and redistribution, awaits agreement on leadership.
