Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana compounded the damage by standing together with four other independent Members of Parliament. Together, they co-founded Your Party to challenge a political system they say is rigged. This new political force sought to unite and inspire the millions of citizens turned off by the old, establishment party lines. Recent actions related to its membership portal have sent shockwaves through its community and left many of its supporters highly concerned and dissatisfied.
Following in her footsteps, last month Zarah Sultana opened up a new membership portal. This portal had a domain name that was entirely different from the official Your Party website. This decision created confusion among potential members. More than 20,000 people quickly registered into the portal. Yet through all the confusion, their enthusiasm to join this exciting new political movement was palpable. Sultana became the lead director ultimately responsible for the approximately £500,000 she raised through this effort.
In October, subscribers were sent an email directing them to an unknown organization called MOU to process their refunds. This letter led to swift action by MOU’s board of directors, who in short order quit after being contacted with demands of refunds. To make matters worse, this transfer of responsibility and liability for donations and members’ data happened without MOU’s approval or knowledge. This latest policy change has many of its supporters wondering just how their personal data – and millions of dollars in annual contributions – are being managed.
Many people who joined through the membership portal filed complaints about being unable to cancel their subscriptions. Most voiced their anger over a complex process that has clouded the path to cancellation, disincentivizing disengagement. The situation has led to vigorous discussions on the part of supporters, some of whom have gone public about experiences with racism in the party. One member reported a marked increase in overtly racist episodes this year. This concerning trend has led to outrage, including calls for accountability and action against party leadership.
Despite this lofty mission of national inclusivity, public infighting among the founders of Your Party has made headlines. This discord has raised concerns about the future direction of the organization and its ability to maintain the trust of its growing membership base. Your Party’s official website proclaims, “A party owned by you.” Recent developments have cast a long shadow on its professed devotion to radical transparency and member empowerment.