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When the concept of a fresh leftwing party led by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals registered their intent in becoming members.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a fresh start.

Troubling First Day

A significant portion of the attendees are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the policies of the current government and seeking a new party as they fear the growing influence of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the pair to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

But when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a brief walk from the venue.

Governance Conflict

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a conventional single-leader system, with one person elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this system.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with key decisions being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled 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

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about various associates and party administrators whom she thinks are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Internal Divisions

Strains escalated significantly around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her aide described this as a “witch-hunt”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the regulatory body – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Participants

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s events became dominated by internal disputes when they would have wanted to address key issues such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is still considering if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some members feel the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has reassured those who still desire unity.

But the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they made their way of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was expressed by a single attendee, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a entire container.”