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As the notion of a fresh socialist party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number showed enthusiasm in participating.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by disputes – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's launch gathering would represent a fresh start.

Disappointing First Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the policies of the incumbent leadership and looking for a new party as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

Yet when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the location.

Leadership Disagreement

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members chose this option.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being taken by lay members – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and group leaders whom she thinks are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Conflict escalated significantly around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to membership in other leftwing groups – particularly the the SWP. Her aide labeled this a “targeted purge”, commenting: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the regulatory body – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “secondary event”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

On the status of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be registered with the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by internal disputes when they would have rather address key issues such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is still considering if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some members feel the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still hope for cohesion.

But many participants remained despondent as they departed of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was captured by an individual delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a full bottle.”