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When the concept of a recent socialist party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in joining.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a new beginning.

Concerning Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are former Labour members, unhappy about the policies of the current government and searching for a ideological base as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the rival party.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

However when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the venue.

Leadership Disagreement

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members voted for this system.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with important choices being decided by lay members – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and party administrators whom she thinks are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Conflict came to a head around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – notably the the political group. Her aide labeled this a “political persecution”, adding: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the election authority – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be registered with the regulatory body but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Attendees

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by group conflicts when they would have preferred to discuss crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is still considering if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some supporters believe the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has comforted those who still desire unity.

However the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they departed of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was captured by a single delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a full bottle.”