Corbyn’s New Left-Wing Party Faces Funding Dispute

A dispute over £800,000 in funds raised through an unauthorised membership scheme is causing a stand-off within the newly formed left-wing party led by Jeremy Corbyn, currently operating under the name Your Party.

The money was initially raised by Zarah Sultana, a co-founder of the party, through a membership portal launched via the party’s official email account, collecting data from approximately 20,000 individuals. Despite a public agreement to transfer the funds, Your Party officials accuse Sultana’s company, MoU, of withholding the money, which is crucial for the party’s founding conference later this month and could force a reduction in delegate numbers. This internal conflict comes at a critical juncture as the party attempts to establish itself as a viable political force.

Sultana’s spokesperson stated that she “is in the process of transferring all funds and data” but is conducting “essential due diligence as part of this process.” However, the founding board of MoU resigned en masse last week, leaving Sultana as the sole director, with the former directors claiming Your Party officials ignored questions regarding governance and legal liabilities. A Your Party spokesman responded, stating, “We are focused on delivering a successful founding conference for our members…we will not allow anything or anyone to stop this party from going ahead.” For more information on party registration requirements, see the Electoral Commission website.

The dispute follows earlier disagreements over the party’s name – Sultana favors “The Left Party” while Corbyn has suggested retaining “Your Party” – with members scheduled to vote on the official name at a conference in Liverpool on November 29th. Sultana has indicated her willingness to co-lead the party with Corbyn, but will contend for sole leadership if members prefer a single leader, as outlined in the party’s upcoming constitution. The party’s turbulent start, despite attracting tens of thousands of members, highlights the challenges of building a new political movement, as explored in this analysis from the Institute for Government.

Officials say they are continuing to work towards a resolution to secure the necessary funds for the founding conference.