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At the idea of a new leftwing party led by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals registered their intent in becoming members.

Despite being quickly beset by arguments – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and funding model – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a new beginning.

Concerning First Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the agenda of the incumbent leadership and searching for a ideological base as they fear the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the famous musical siblings, saying: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a brief walk from the venue.

Structure Disagreement

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he supported a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this approach.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with important choices being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, however, suggest she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was scathing about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she believes are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Tensions came to a head around midday when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – notably the the political group. Her aide called this a “witch-hunt”, stating: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the Electoral Commission – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “sideshow”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the new party.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by factionalism when they would have rather discuss important topics such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is still considering if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some participants feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Hope for Sunday

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still desire unity.

Yet the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was expressed by a single participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a entire container.”