The launch of a new political movement is rarely smooth, but the inaugural conference of Your Party descended into chaos with a remarkable absentee: one of its own founders. Zarah Sultana, the former Labour MP, was notably absent from the first day of her party's landmark gathering last weekend, sparking questions about internal strife and the viability of new political projects.
A Founding Figure's Absence
It is highly unusual for a co-founder to boycott the opening day of their party's first major conference. Yet, that is precisely what unfolded as the 32-year-old left-wing politician chose to stay away from the event. Sultana, who defected from Labour to help establish Your Party, joins a long line of politicians who have faced significant hurdles after breaking away to form new movements.
The conference, held on Friday 5 December 2025, was intended to be a showcase of unity and purpose. Instead, it became a public spectacle of division. Sky News political correspondent Rob Powell, who attended the event, described the atmosphere as chaotic, hinting at deeper rifts, rows, and even resignations simmering behind the scenes.
The Challenge of Building a New Movement
Setting up a new political party in the UK's crowded landscape is a monumental task. The saga surrounding Your Party's birth and its immediately troubled conference highlights the immense difficulties. These challenges range from establishing a clear policy platform and a cohesive internal structure to managing the personalities and ambitions of its leading figures.
Sultana's boycott raises immediate questions about the party's direction and leadership stability. When a founding member distances themselves from a flagship event, it signals profound disagreements over strategy, messaging, or control. This incident serves as a case study in the real-world complexities of political entrepreneurship, far removed from the idealistic launch phase.
Analysis and Political Context
The situation reflects a broader trend in British politics where fragmentation and the formation of niche parties have become more common. However, sustaining momentum beyond the initial announcement requires discipline and unity, commodities that appear in short supply within Your Party based on its chaotic debut.
Listeners seeking a deeper dive into this unfolding political drama can find further analysis on the Sky News Daily podcast. In a recent episode, presenter Niall was joined by correspondent Rob Powell to dissect the events of the conference and explore what this means for the future of this fledgling left-wing movement.
The story of Your Party's first conference is more than a simple news item; it is a lesson in the precarious nature of political startups. With its co-founder absent and reports of internal disarray, the party's ability to attract supporters and mount a serious challenge is now under serious scrutiny.
