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As the notion of a fresh socialist party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals registered their intent in participating.

Despite being quickly beset by internal conflicts – its founders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a fresh start.

Concerning First Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the direction of the present administration and seeking a political home as they worry about the increasing popularity of the rival party.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

However when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a brief walk from the conference site.

Leadership Disagreement

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader voted into power, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members voted for this approach.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with crucial policies being taken by lay members – those not currently acting as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and group leaders whom she feels are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is understood that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Strains escalated significantly around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – notably the the political group. Her representative called this a “political persecution”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the Electoral Commission – were angry, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “distraction”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one associate said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Participants

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings turned into internal disputes when they would have preferred to focus on crucial matters such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is still considering if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some participants think the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Hope for Day Two

The result is unclear if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the official title and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has encouraged those who still wish for cohesion.

However the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they made their way of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was captured by one attendee, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a entire container.”