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At the idea of a fresh socialist party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in participating.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by disputes – its founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a new beginning.

Troubling First Day

A significant portion of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the agenda of the current government and seeking a ideological base as they fear the growing influence of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

Yet when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a short distance from the venue.

Leadership Conflict

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with one person voted into power, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this option.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with key decisions being decided by ordinary participants – those not currently acting 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 ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and party administrators whom she thinks are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had led to “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Conflict reached a peak around midday when it became known Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson labeled this a “political persecution”, stating: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the Electoral Commission – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

On the status of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not registered with the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings turned into factionalism when they would have rather address key issues such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

The group is still considering if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters feel the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the final designation and governance model – will be announced. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still hope for cohesion.

Yet the majority of attendees remained despondent as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was expressed by an individual participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a entire container.”