A new British left-wing party established by veteran politician Jeremy Corbyn and MP Zarah Sultana is asking its 50,000 members to choose an official name this weekend in Liverpool. The shortlist includes 'Your Party', 'Our Party', 'Popular Alliance', and 'For The Many'.

This is more than a branding exercise; it's a critical moment for a movement struggling with its identity. The party, temporarily known as Your Party since its summer launch, has been plagued by months of internal conflict, providing a cautionary tale on the immense challenges of building a new political force from the ground up.

A Movement Divided?

The party's early days have been marked by significant turmoil. Sharp disagreements have erupted between co-founders Corbyn and Sultana over the party's launch and the handling of member funds. These tensions became public when Corbyn disowned a membership portal promoted by Sultana as a "false membership system," prompting Sultana to allege she was being sidelined by a "sexist boys' club." The infighting has already led to the departure of two independent MPs, Iqbal Mohamed and Adnan Hussain, who cited a "toxic" and "exclusionary" culture.

Over 2,500 members are expected at the Liverpool conference to decide on fundamental questions that will shape their future. Key debates include:

• Leadership Model: Whether to adopt a single, traditional leader or a "collective, lay-member leadership model."
• Electoral Strategy: Deciding whether the party will back socialist independent candidates in the 2026 English local elections.

Lessons for Kenya's Political Arena

The struggles within Corbyn's new party mirror challenges frequently seen in Kenyan politics. The difficulty of moving a political entity beyond the personalities of its founders is a familiar story. In Kenya, parties are often tightly associated with specific leaders, and internal democracy can be strained by personality clashes and regional interests. The UK party's debate over a single versus collective leadership model is particularly relevant, echoing local discussions about creating durable, issue-based parties rather than temporary political vehicles.

Furthermore, the ideological balancing act is a universal challenge. The British party is attempting to unite various left-wing factions, a task that has proven difficult. Similarly, Kenyan political alliances often bring together disparate groups, with success depending on their ability to manage internal differences and present a unified vision to the electorate. The intense infighting in the UK serves as a reminder that without robust internal structures and a shared, disciplined vision, new political movements can fracture before they have a chance to take root.

As the new party announces its name on Sunday, observers in Kenya will be watching not just for the chosen brand, but for whether its leaders can overcome the divisions that threaten their project. The outcome will be a powerful case study in the universal art of political formation and survival.