A new political force has officially declared its identity: Your Party. Born from the efforts of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and MP Zarah Sultana, the organization has moved beyond its initial concept to become a fully-fledged party with a constitution, rules, and a growing base of committed supporters.
The announcement came after a vote by its members, signaling a crucial step in establishing a distinct political path. Corbyn, addressing the decision, emphasized the party’s foundational elements: “We have a party, we have rules, we have a constitution, we have enthusiasm, we have commitment, we have principles. And, above all, we have a name.”
This weekend marked Your Party’s inaugural conference in Liverpool, a location recently occupied by the Labour Party’s own gathering. Hundreds of members converged to shape the party’s structure and define its core policies, engaging in a democratic process to chart its future.
In a surprising turn, members voted against a single leader – rejecting both Corbyn and Sultana as the sole figurehead. Instead, they opted for a collective leadership model, a decision that sparked visible shock within the conference hall, passing with a narrow 51.6% majority.
A spokesperson for Your Party hailed the vote as a demonstration of a fundamentally different approach to politics. They argued that the decision reflects a commitment to “doing politics differently: from the bottom-up, not the top-down,” contrasting their model with what they perceive as a disconnected and self-serving political class.
The vote saw participation from around 9,000 members out of an electorate of 55,000. As a result, the party will select a chairman and deputy chairman in February – positions specifically barred to current Members of Parliament – who will serve as the public face of the organization.
The path to this conference wasn’t without its turbulence. Public disagreements surfaced between Sultana and Corbyn, alongside other members of the Independent Alliance, highlighting internal tensions during the party’s formative stages. Sultana even boycotted the first day of the conference following a dispute over access for members of another socialist party.
Addressing the conference, Sultana acknowledged the party’s challenging beginnings, framing the collective leadership decision as a victory for the membership. She emphasized that the outcome wasn’t about personal gain, but rather a testament to the power of the members themselves.
Sultana also offered an apology for the “hiccups” encountered during the party’s establishment, taking responsibility for some of the difficulties. Her core message centered on ensuring the party remained member-led, not driven by the agendas of MPs, and stressed the need for greater collaboration and member democracy.
The conference continues with an anticipated speech from Jeremy Corbyn, as Your Party seeks to solidify its identity and lay the groundwork for its future political endeavors. The focus remains on building a truly grassroots movement, accountable to its members and distinct from the established political landscape.
