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When the concept of a new leftwing party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's first major event would represent a renewed effort.

Troubling First Day

A significant portion of the attendees are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the policies of the current government and seeking a political home as they fear the increasing popularity of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

However when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a short distance from the conference site.

Governance Division

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a conventional single-leader system, with one person chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members chose this option.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she feels are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – 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

Tensions came to a head around midday when it became known Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – particularly the the SWP. Her representative called this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the Electoral Commission – were furious, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “secondary event”. They feel allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “It might not be registered with the regulatory body but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by factionalism when they would have preferred to discuss crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some participants think the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has reassured those who still wish for unity.

But many participants remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was expressed by an individual attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a bottle.”