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When the concept of a fresh socialist party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals registered their intent in joining.

Even though it became quickly beset by arguments – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would herald a fresh start.

Troubling First Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the policies of the present administration and seeking a new party as they fear the growing influence of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a short distance from the conference site.

Leadership Disagreement

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader voted into power, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members selected this approach.

But, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being decided by lay members – those not already serving as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about various associates and party administrators whom she believes are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Tensions escalated significantly around midday when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her representative described this as a “targeted purge”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the Electoral Commission – were angry, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “sideshow”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one associate said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings descended into factionalism when they would have wanted to focus on crucial matters such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is still considering if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some supporters feel the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

The result is unclear if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still hope for unity.

Yet many participants remained despondent as they departed of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was captured by one delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a entire container.”