Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been conspicuously excluded from a major rally organised by his own party co-founder Zarah Sultana, just days before the inaugural Your Party conference.
Leadership tensions surface
A spokesperson for Mr Corbyn confirmed to Sky News that the independent MP was neither invited to nor aware of the rally scheduled for Friday 28 November in Liverpool. This development comes despite both politicians having co-launched the socialist party back in July.
The event, billed as "the eve of conference Your Party rally" on Ms Sultana's social media, promises to champion an "unapologetically socialist, anti-Zionist, anti-imperialist programme." However, it's notably not an official Your Party function, with tickets being sold through Ms Sultana's personal Action Network campaign.
Speculation mounts over leadership ambitions
The timing and nature of Ms Sultana's solo rally have fuelled speculation about a de-facto leadership bid, particularly with a battle for the top position expected in the new year. Neither Mr Corbyn nor Ms Sultana have formally declared their leadership intentions, though both are widely anticipated to stand.
The conference, beginning officially on 29 November, will see members vote on the leadership structure. The draft constitution proposes a single leader model rather than co-leaders, potentially setting the stage for a direct contest between the party's two most prominent figures.
Factional divisions deepen
Speakers at Ms Sultana's event include figures closely aligned with her vision for the party, notably Mish Rahman, a former Labour NEC member now active in the Democratic Bloc group. Dembloc, a grassroots organisation of prospective Your Party members, has consistently supported Ms Sultana and recently hosted an event featuring the Coventry South MP.
The rally controversy highlights months of internal factionalism that has plagued what was intended to be a significant moment for the British left. The infighting has encompassed disputes over leadership, finances, and even the party's name, broadly dividing between Corbyn loyalists and Sultana supporters who view her as a fresh face for the movement.
Your Party claims approximately 50,000 paid members, though only a select number will attend the Liverpool conference through a sortition process. It remains unclear whether Mr Corbyn will participate in any events alongside Ms Sultana during the conference period.
