Sultana boycotts first day of Your Party's conference

Co-leader says she won't be pushed out despite 'witch hunt'

- BRYONY GOOCH

A defiant Zarah Sultana has refused to be “pushed out” of Your Party after she boycotted the first day of its conference yesterday, accusing people within the organisation of creating a “toxic culture” and claiming there was a “witch hunt”.

In an extraordinary row at the party’s inaugural gathering, Ms Sultana said she would not enter the main conference centre in Liverpool after one of her supporters, Kingston councillor James Giles, was allegedly denied entry. Other members were expelled on Friday over alleged membership of the Socialist Workers Party.

The criticism came just hours after Jeremy Corbyn vowed the co-leaders of the crisis-hit party were united.

A spokesperson for Ms Sultana said: “Zarah met members outside the conference and condemned the recent expulsions. This witch hunt is indefensible. We must build a party that welcomes all socialists. She will not be entering the conference hall today.”

But Your Party has hit back, denying claims of a “purge” of members. A spokesperson said: “These claims are false. Members of another national political party signed up to Your Party in contravention of clearly stated membership rules – and these rules were enforced.”

Ms Sultana said: “I’m disappointed to see on the morning of our founding conference, people who have travelled from all over the country, spent a lot of money on their train fare, on hotels, on being able to participate in this conference, being told that they have been expelled.