Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader, has taken the significant step of applying to remove his newly formed political party from the official register of companies, a move that comes less than two months after its inaugural conference. The application to strike Your Party from the Companies House register was submitted yesterday, marking a swift and unexpected development in the party's brief existence.
A Troubled Launch and Internal Conflicts
The launch of Your Party has been marred by what insiders describe as toxic in-fighting, primarily stemming from a dispute between Mr Corbyn and co-founder Zarah Sultana, a former Labour MP. This internal strife led to a botched membership launch and even threats of legal action, casting a shadow over the party's early days. While Ms Sultana is listed as a director of Your Party UK Ltd, her name was notably absent from the directors who signed the strike-off application, which was instead executed by a 'majority of directors', including Mr Corbyn himself.
Official Statements and Unanimous Approval
In response to the application, Your Party has issued a statement insisting that this was a 'planned step' in their organisational process. According to the party, the move was approved unanimously, suggesting a coordinated effort despite the public disagreements. A spokesman elaborated, stating, 'This is a planned step in our democratic founding process. Your Party will now be an unincorporated association governed in line with our democratic, member-approved constitution, regulated by the Electoral Commission.'
Reactions from Allies and Supporters
Allies of Zarah Sultana have acknowledged that striking off the company is a standard procedural step, but they could not resist a pointed remark. They joked that this is 'about the only thing' they agree with Mr Corbyn's supporters on, highlighting the deep-seated divisions within the party. This comment underscores the ongoing tensions that have plagued Your Party since its inception, raising questions about its future cohesion and effectiveness as a political force.
The rapid application to remove Your Party from the Companies House register reflects the turbulent start for Corbyn's latest political venture. With the party now transitioning to an unincorporated association, all eyes will be on how it navigates its internal conflicts and establishes itself under the regulatory framework of the Electoral Commission in the coming months.
