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As the notion of a recent leftwing party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by arguments – its leaders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and funding model – many hoped this weekend's first major event would herald a renewed effort.

Troubling Opening Day

A significant portion of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, disappointed by the agenda of the current government and seeking a new party as they fear the rise of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the famous musical siblings, saying: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

Yet when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a short distance from the conference site.

Governance Division

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he supported a conventional single-leader system, with one person chosen to lead, and implied he’d be likely to run if members chose this option.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with important choices being made by lay members – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

Despite Sultana claiming she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about various associates and group leaders whom she believes are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is understood that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Factionalism

Tensions came to a head around midday when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the first day 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 labeled this a “targeted purge”, stating: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the election authority – were furious, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They think permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Participants

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s events became dominated by internal disputes when they would have preferred to focus on key issues such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is still considering if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some supporters think the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the official title and governance model – will be announced. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still hope for cohesion.

Yet many participants remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was captured by one participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a full bottle.”