Labour MP Zarah Sultana has dramatically boycotted the opening day of the Your Party conference in Liverpool, protesting what she describes as a 'witch hunt' against left-wing members.
Conference Chaos Erupts
The newly formed political movement, which Ms Sultana co-founded with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in July 2025, has been plunged into crisis just months after its creation. The controversy centres on the expulsion of members belonging to the Socialist Workers Party, which violates Your Party's rules prohibiting dual membership.
Saturday 29 November 2025 marked the first day of the inaugural conference, but Ms Sultana was notably absent from the main hall. Instead, the Coventry South MP met with supporters outside the Liverpool venue, delivering a stinging condemnation of the recent disciplinary actions.
A Party Divided
A spokesperson for Ms Sultana released a strongly worded statement, declaring: "This witch hunt is indefensible. We must build a party that welcomes all socialists. She will not be entering the conference hall today." However, the MP is expected to return to deliver her scheduled speech on Sunday.
The rift appears to extend beyond policy disagreements, with Mr Corbyn revealing the strained nature of his relationship with his co-founder. When questioned by Sky News about whether he considered Ms Sultana a friend, the former Labour leader responded cautiously, stating they were "colleagues in parliament, and we obviously communicate and so on."
Leadership Tensions Surface
Mr Corbyn acknowledged the challenges facing the new party during a pre-conference interview, admitting to "stresses and strains" in the organisation's setup. However, he struck a more optimistic note than his absent colleague, suggesting the situation had improved recently.
"It's become a lot better in the last few days and weeks and we're going to get through this weekend," Mr Corbyn told reporters on the eve of the conference.
The public clash represents the latest chapter in ongoing tensions between the two prominent left-wing figures, who have previously disagreed over the launch and structure of Your Party since its formation in July. Both politicians appeared at separate events on Friday as supporters gathered in Liverpool for what was meant to be a unifying inaugural conference.
The developing situation continues to unfold at the Liverpool conference venue, with further updates expected throughout the weekend as Your Party attempts to navigate its first major internal crisis.
