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At the idea of a new leftwing party led by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in joining.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would signal a renewed effort.

Troubling First Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the agenda of the current government and looking for a new party as they are concerned by the rise of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's launch event were completed, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

However when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a mile from the location.

Governance Disagreement

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with one person elected to take charge, and implied he’d be likely to run if members voted for this option.

But, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with important choices being made by lay members – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she thinks are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had led to “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Factionalism

Tensions came to a head around midday when it became known Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – particularly the the political group. Her spokesperson called this a “witch-hunt”, adding: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the election authority – were incensed, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “sideshow”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s events turned into factionalism when they would have wanted to focus on crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some supporters feel the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still hope for cohesion.

Yet most delegates remained disheartened as they departed of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was summed up by a single delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a full bottle.”