‘Your Party’ has officially been launched in Reading, as socialists railed against cuts, ‘parasitic landlords’ and the Labour Party.
The upstart political party was founded by the MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana as an alternative to the Labour Party.
A series of regional meetings have taken place to help launch the party in target areas, with the Reading event taking place at Watlington House Hall near the town centre.
Speakers included Adam Gillman, one of the youngest candidates in the 2024 general election from the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC), Melanie Dent, also from TUSC, and Majid Nagra, a sitting Wokingham Borough councillor.
Between 30-40 people attended the meeting, where people discussed the potential of a socialist alliance of left-wing forces, such as the Green Party, activists and trade unions.
In his speech, Mr Gillman railed against “parasitic landlords” charging “extortionate rents”.
Ms Dent spoke about the economic hardships that normal people face, which council taxes are raised by a maximum of 4.99 per cent.
She said: “I don’t need to tell any of you that things are more difficult for the average person.
“The cost of energy, as well as our water bills, continues to rise.”
Meanwhile, councillor Nagra took the opportunity to blast the Labour Party, which he left in September, accusing them of being ‘Red Tories’.
Cllr Nagra (Independent, Loddon) said: “Red Tories have disowned the working class, the policies of the Blue Tories and the Red Tories are the same, totally identical.”
The meeting took place on Saturday, November 8.
Mr Gillman said: “We had an excellent Your Party meeting in Reading, with great speakers on the platform.
“There was a good bit of debate and discussion, with many socialist party members, former Labour Party members and the wider movement contributing to the discussion.
“Some of what was discussed was alliances with the Greens and left forces, no cuts budgets, democratic structures and how we mobilise people.
“The idea for a people’s budget conference, where the Your Party proto branch organises a conference to democratically debate and discuss how we fight the cuts in Reading, the need for a no cuts people’s budget and the 2026 Local election in Reading, then inviting trade union branches (particularly the local authority unions of Unite, GMB and unison), trades councils, community, campaign and socialist groups to attend and agree a minimum no cuts platform to stand on was well received.
“I hope one is organised in Reading in the New Year, which others, including the Greens would be welcome to attend and continue to engage in the debate and discussion on how we beat austerity and if they don’t think people’s budgets are the best way forward well then let’s have that debate.
“Lots of people are angry at cuts to services, austerity and the capitalist crisis we live under.
“Now more than ever it’s important we fight back and organise a socialist alternative to war, climate change, austerity, racist division and for jobs, homes and services!”
