**Title: Zarah Sultana Accuses New Corbyn Party of a “Witch Hunt” Against Activists**
In the wake of the founding of a new political party—tentatively named Your Party—Zarah Sultana has raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of left-wing activists by those in prominent positions within this initiative. Sultana, who is collaborating with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in this new political venture, has described actions taken against certain members as a “witch hunt” aimed at purging individuals on the left side of the political spectrum.
Sultana’s accusations arose during a somewhat tumultuous founding conference, where she notably chose to boycott the initial day of proceedings. This decision came after the expulsion of several members who had affiliations with the Socialist Workers Party. Party officials justified these expulsions by citing breaches of internal rules that prohibit members from simultaneously belonging to other political organizations, whether within the UK or internationally.
While Sultana expressed her dismay towards the ongoing situation, Corbyn, during his speech at the conference, called for unity among party members, highlighting the opportunity to create a “socialist party of mass appeal.” He emphasized the need for coherence and collaboration among the newly formed party’s ranks to serve the interests of the broader public effectively.
Adding to the controversy, Sultana reported that one of her own staff members was denied entry to the conference, raising questions about the nature of these decisions. While Your Party officials acknowledged that a pass was not issued, they refuted any claims that the decision was politically motivated. The spokesperson for Sultana conveyed a strong message, stating, “This witch hunt is indefensible – we must build a party that welcomes all socialists.” When pressed for clarification on her original assertion, Sultana reaffirmed, “Absolutely.”
Sultana strongly condemned the existing political culture within the Labour Party, labeling it as “toxic” and emphasized that such behaviors need not be replicated in their new initiative. Her remarks referenced the involvement of “nameless and faceless bureaucrats” who operate without transparency when it comes to expelling members. Furthermore, she argued that individuals affiliated with other political organizations should not have to sacrifice their existing memberships to join Your Party.
In a response, a representative from Your Party emphasized adherence to established membership rules, stating, “Members of another national political party signed up to Your Party in contravention of clearly stated membership rules—and these rules were enforced.” They expressed a commitment to fostering a democratic environment at the founding conference, highlighting thousands of members coming together to deliberate on substantive issues—pointing to a grassroots approach to politics that focuses on member engagement rather than top-down directives.
During the conference proceedings, Jeremy Corbyn acknowledged the various challenges encountered during the party’s inception—most notably highlighting internal discord that has led to the departure of key members. Following her resignation, former officials Adnan Hussain and Iqbal Mohamed publicly criticized Sultana for not transferring approximately £800,000 in donations held in a separate company, MoU Operations Ltd. Sultana has since stated that she has managed to transfer £600,000 and that any outstanding funds would be disbursed once legal matters are resolved.
In his address, Corbyn reiterated the necessity for unity within the party, warning against disunity as a hindrance to their mission of representing the interests of the public. His fervent call to action included public ownership of essential services like water and a passionate advocacy for social justice and support for the Palestinian cause.
Such developments within Your Party illustrate the ongoing challenges and complexities as it seeks to establish itself firmly within the UK political landscape. As debates regarding membership regulations and internal governance continue, the party’s future trajectory remains a focal point for both supporters and critics alike, particularly in light of Sultana’s outspoken stance against perceived injustices within the party framework.
