by Sofia Pandolfi, South West London Socialist Party
Right from the start, there was a clear mood of both excitement at the creation and potential that this party could have in addressing the crisis in Britain today, as well as doubt in how the party was being organised.
The attendees were grouped in tables to discuss sections of documents and fill out answers to specific pre-proscribed questions. Each discussion was managed by facilitators, yet the lack of facilitators for the number of people meant some groups took it upon themselves to ‘self-facilitate’.
Generally, there was scepticism on how these discussions would have any impact in influencing changes to the documents. This brought further questions on how members could have their voices heard in the upcoming founding conference of 13,500 members.
In addition, the undemocratic methods of sortition to select attendees for the conference and the voting system of ‘one member one vote’ were questioned by the majority. Instead, there was agreement that elected delegates, accountable to their communities and organisations, could more effectively represent members’ views.
Socialist Party members argued for Your Party to adopt a federal structure, explaining the role of the trade unions in building a new workers’ party. This received support, with agreement that this party needs to represent the working class and put forward socialist demands. Trade unions, bringing together the largest number of organised workers in Britain, are crucial in achieving that.
The upcoming local elections in May 2026 were another significant point of discussion. Many felt that participating in elections was an immediate need for Your Party but were unsure of how the party would prepare itself for that in time. In the party’s draft Organisational Strategy for its first year, it states that Your Party will “seek to support all Independent socialist candidates of good standing”.
Questions were raised on what is meant by ‘good standing’. Socialist Party members argued for the need for no-cuts candidates who pledge to stand for anti-austerity demands. This could ensure candidates are not simply in ‘good standing’ but are accountable to protecting services and fighting for working-class communities. In these discussions, the demand for Your Party candidates to fight for no-cuts council budgets gained support.
At the end, a few facilitators were chosen to report back on the aspects of the document they had discussed. We also had the opportunity to show whether we were in support of the draft Political Statement by using different coloured stickers.
While these ineffective methods reflected the lack of democratic building within Your Party so far, the widespread support for our demands showed the importance of continuing to campaign for Your Party to be a socialist, anti-austerity alternative to the other mainstream parties today.
- This is part of a larger article on the Socialist Party website.