Today in Focus Your Party: leaderless or just hopeless?
18 snips
Dec 2, 2025 
Geraldine McKelvey, a Guardian field reporter, provides firsthand insights from the chaotic inaugural conference of Your Party in Liverpool, expressing delegates' frustrations over organization. Peter Walker, the Guardian's senior political correspondent, discusses deep-rooted divisions and factionalism within the party. Delegates express their grievances on issues like Gaza and austerity, while debates swirl around leadership models. The future remains uncertain as they weigh potential pacts and electoral strategies amidst internal strife.
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Subdued Exterior, Chaotic Interior
- Geraldine McKelvey found the inaugural conference subdued outside but chaotic inside, with delegates confused about logistics.
- Many attendees were former Labour members or Corbyn supporters who felt frustrated by procedural focus over voter issues.
Smaller, Diverse Base With Sharp Grievances
- The party drew a diverse mix but far fewer attendees than hyped, with around 2,500 delegates selected by sortition.
- Anger centred on Labour's Gaza response and a rightward immigration pivot, motivating people to seek an alternative.
Co-Founder Boycotts Her Own Conference
- Zahra Sultana boycotted the first day after some would-be delegates were denied entry due to membership of other left groups.
- She argued the conference should be open to all socialists and protested exclusion of Socialist Workers' Party members.