A new division has arisen between Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana over membership of the new socialist party and I have been asked to share my views. It would appears that Zarah has jumped the gun by opening a portal for membership before the inaugural conference. Jeremy has responded by saying it was unauthorised and, strictly speaking, he’s correct, but it raises the question of who can vote at the conference if membership hasn’t been opened? The proposal is that delegates should be chosen by sortion from people who have signed up to the mailing list, but this could include those who are opposed but want to keep informed! I can see Grìma Wormtongue whispering in Jeremy’s ear. Here are their statements for comparison.

I don’t think anyone who has already signed up has much to worry about as long as a new party is launched – their money is held in trust by Jamie Driscoll, Beth Winter and Andrew Feinstein – but I’m using my customary caution in not committing myself until it’s resolved. Those with an interest in undermining the new party before it’s even been launched are waiting like vultures to swoop on any sign of dissent. Here’s Beth Winter’s statement.

And Andrew’s:

I’m forced to agree with those who say that Jeremy is naive, although he’s 5 months younger than me and still active. On a personal level he will endure “The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,” whereas Zarah will “take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing end them.”

I’ve been hoping that John McDonnell and Diane Abbott, who remain members of the Labour Party with no hope of having the whip restored, but we have to provide a viable left alternative. The Greens could provide an alternative if Corbyn and Sultana can’t reconcile their differences.

I don’t think we can have a party with two leaders. Jeremy and Zarah were both important in founding the party but that doesn’t mean either of them should be leader. Their own principles say that members should decide, so you need members before you can elect a leader. I believe it should be an open election with at least three candidates, which means neither of them might be elected!

So we need to do three things in this order:

• Officially launch the party at an inaugural conference

• Open an official portal for membership

• Hold a leadership election with at least three candidates, one member one vote, with any member allowed to nominate a candidate

Nothing is more destructive to a new party than internal dissidence, solidarity is of the utmost importance! Something Chris Williamson once said to me comes to mind.

My motto is that solidarity is essential, not only when it’s easy when it’s difficult!

It’s very disappointing that Jeremy’s team has chosen to take legal action again Zarah, although I can see no evidence of actual wrongdoing. Zarah may be somewhat impetuous but she’s reflecting the impatience of many supporters who are anxious to get the party established. A lawsuit will undoubtedly split them further apart when we what we need is mediation, but that’s been tried without success. Jeremy and Zarah might be reconciled if they sit down together without their “advisers”, but momentum has been lost and the harm that’s already been done may be irreversible. Prospective members won’t be in a hurry to commit themselves until it’s sorted out, and some may decide it’s not for theM

I’ve been a member of both the Australian Labor Party and UK Labour but voted Green in the last two elections in this constituency (admittedly I had little choice in the last one) but I’m in no hurry to join another party. I’ve written about this topic before (see below 👇) and no doubt will do so again. In the meantime, here are some recommendations, if you haven’t seen them or want a recap:

Your Party, their crisis, our hopes dashed? https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/your-party-their-crisis-our-hopes-dashed

Zarah Sultana Facing Legal Action From Corbyn’s Team? https://youtu.be/iSD4WTYFq0w?si=z7WAf5cCtq3bbIWY

From 20,000 Members to Legal Threats – The Left’s New Party Is in Pieces https://youtu.be/Dp6U4KOsR-w?si=2kEWCq4MzpjAPrjP

‘It’s Not About Them — It’s About Us!’ https://youtu.be/EyutMOpMMc4?si=KI74kkezaA0FWskC