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When the concept of a recent socialist party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in participating.

Even though it became quickly beset by internal conflicts – its founders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's first major event would signal a renewed effort.

Concerning Opening Day

Many of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the agenda of the present administration and seeking a political home as they worry about the growing influence of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the well-known duo, saying: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

But when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a mile from the venue.

Leadership Disagreement

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he supported a established hierarchical structure, with one person chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this option.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with important choices being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as elected officials. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and group leaders whom she thinks are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Protest and Group Conflicts

Tensions came to a head around midday when it became known Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – notably the the political group. Her representative called this a “targeted purge”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were incensed, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Delegates

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by factionalism when they would have wanted to address key issues such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some supporters think the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for Sunday

The result is unclear if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the official title and governance model – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still wish for cohesion.

Yet the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they departed of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was summed up by a single participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a full bottle.”