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When the concept of a fresh socialist party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in joining.

Despite being quickly beset by arguments – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and funding model – many expected this weekend's first major event would represent a fresh start.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the participants are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the policies of the incumbent leadership and looking for a ideological base as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

Yet when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a short distance from the venue.

Leadership Conflict

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual chosen to lead, and implied he’d be likely to run if members voted for this system.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with key decisions being made by ordinary participants – those not already serving as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members are enabled” – she was scathing about some of his allies and group leaders whom she believes are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is known that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Factionalism

Conflict came to a head around midday when it became known Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – notably the the SWP. Her spokesperson labeled this a “targeted purge”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the Electoral Commission – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They think permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

On the status of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Participants

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s activities turned into factionalism when they would have preferred to discuss key issues such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants believe the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for Sunday

The result is unclear if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has encouraged those who still hope for agreement.

However many participants remained despondent as they made their way of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was summed up by a single participant, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a entire container.”