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As the notion of a fresh socialist party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number expressed an interest in participating.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its leaders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and funding model – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a fresh start.

Troubling First Day

A significant portion of the participants are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the direction of the incumbent leadership and searching for a new party as they are concerned by the rise of the rival party.

As plans for the party's launch event were completed, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a short distance from the location.

Structure Division

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this system.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with important choices being taken by lay members – those not presently working as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a single 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 “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and group leaders whom she thinks are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Factionalism

Conflict came to a head around midday when it emerged Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson described this as a “political persecution”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the election authority – were angry, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings descended into internal disputes when they would have rather address crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is still considering if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some supporters think the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the official title and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still hope for cohesion.

Yet the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by a single attendee, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a bottle.”