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When the concept of a new leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in joining.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by arguments – its leaders disagreed intensely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a fresh start.

Concerning First Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the policies of the present administration and searching for a new party as they worry about the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the well-known duo, 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 curiously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the conference site.

Structure Conflict

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader voted into power, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this option.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with crucial policies being decided by lay members – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, however, suggest she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Problematic Environment

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they hoped the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and party administrators whom she feels are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Factionalism

Tensions escalated significantly around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in alliance with potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her aide called this a “witch-hunt”, adding: “We need to establish 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 Electoral Commission – were furious, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “secondary event”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

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

Disappointment Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s events descended into factionalism when they would have rather focus on important topics such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is still considering if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some participants believe the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the final designation and governance model – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has comforted those who still hope for cohesion.

Yet many participants remained despondent as they made their way of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was captured by an individual delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a bottle.”