How Tensions Between Corbyn and Sultana Shaped ‘Your Party’
When Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, two prominent figures on the British left, announced the creation of ‘Your Party’ in July 2025, it was billed as a new chapter for grassroots politics. But from its inception, the party has been plagued by internal strife, raising difficult questions about the challenges of building a truly democratic movement.
Membership Rules Spark Boycott and Division
The first major flashpoint erupted ahead of the inaugural party conference in Liverpool. Zarah Sultana, co-founder alongside Corbyn, refused to attend the opening day. Her boycott was in protest over the expulsion of Socialist Workers Party (SWP) members, a move enforced due to ‘Your Party’s’ strict ban on dual membership. Sultana’s camp described the expulsions as a ‘witch hunt’, arguing that any socialist should be welcome, regardless of other affiliations.
Her supporters saw the enforcement of the membership rule as an attempt to purge her allies. Members of the left-wing group Counterfire were also banned from the conference, further fueling accusations of exclusion. While a party spokesperson insisted that this was simply the application of rules, not a purge, the optics painted a picture of a movement struggling to balance openness with organizational discipline.
Leadership Struggles and Accusations of a ‘Sexist Boys’ Club’
Beneath the surface, deeper tensions simmered. In September, a public spat broke out after Sultana sent out an email soliciting paid memberships—without the approval of Corbyn or the party leadership. The email, which included a sign-up portal, was quickly disavowed by Corbyn and other MPs via an official statement, warning supporters to cancel any payments and dismissing the system as ‘unauthorised’.
Sultana responded by admitting she acted unilaterally, claiming she felt ‘sidelined’ and excluded from decision-making by a group of male colleagues. She described the party’s inner workings as a ‘sexist boys’ club’, an accusation that struck at the heart of the party’s promise of inclusivity and grassroots empowerment.
Corbyn, for his part, called her choice of words ‘unfortunate’ but maintained he had played a larger role in organizing the conference. He also pointed out that Sultana had yet to transfer all the funds raised through her unauthorised portal, though she insisted the process was underway.
From Rocky Beginnings to Uncertain Future
The trouble started even before the party’s official launch. Sultana announced the formation of ‘Your Party’ ahead of Corbyn, catching him off guard. Although they later appeared together to confirm the launch, confusion lingered about the party’s name and leadership model. The grassroots were promised a say, but questions persisted over whether Corbyn and Sultana would co-lead or if leadership would be open to wider contest.
On the eve of the Liverpool conference, Corbyn acknowledged the ‘stresses and strains’ but suggested things had improved. Yet, when asked by Sky News if he considered Sultana a friend, he hedged, describing her as a parliamentary colleague rather than a close ally. The pair attended separate events, reflecting the distance that had grown between them.
What Does This Mean for Grassroots Politics?
The drama surrounding ‘Your Party’ has highlighted the persistent difficulties faced by new political movements. The very mechanisms intended to keep the party democratic—open membership, transparent decision-making—have become sources of conflict. The tension between enforcing rules and fostering inclusivity is hardly unique, but the public nature of the Sultana-Corbyn dispute has made these challenges impossible to ignore.
The accusations of sexism, whether justified or not, have also exposed broader issues within the left about representation and voice. Sultana’s claim that she was excluded from key decisions resonates with many who feel marginalized in political spaces, while Corbyn’s response—emphasizing procedure and discipline—reflects the perennial struggle to build stable organizations out of diverse coalitions.
Looking Forward: Can ‘Your Party’ Survive Its Growing Pains?
As thousands of members gathered in Liverpool to debate the party’s future, the question hanging over ‘Your Party’ is whether it can move past these early disputes. Both Corbyn and Sultana remain central figures, but their relationship is clearly strained. The need for unity is apparent, yet the path forward is uncertain.
What is clear is that the fate of ‘Your Party’ will be watched closely, not only by its members but by those across the political spectrum who see in its struggle a reflection of the larger challenges facing grassroots movements in the UK and beyond.
The Sultana-Corbyn rift encapsulates the fragile balance between principle and pragmatism that all new parties must strike. While the founding promise of ‘Your Party’ was radical democracy, its birth has been marred by exclusion and discord. The outcome of this internal conflict will likely determine whether the party can truly fulfill its ambitions—or become another cautionary tale about the perils of political infighting.