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As the notion of a new leftwing party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in becoming members.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by disputes – its leaders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would herald a fresh start.

Concerning Opening Day

Many of the participants are former Labour members, disappointed by the direction of the current government and searching for a new party as they fear the rise of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

But when the entrances to the meeting hall 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 restaurant about a brief walk from the conference site.

Structure Disagreement

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual chosen to lead, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this option.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted 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 encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she feels are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Strains escalated significantly around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in alliance with potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – especially the the political group. Her spokesperson called this a “political persecution”, stating: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the regulatory body – were angry, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “distraction”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not registered with the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings turned into internal disputes when they would have wanted to discuss important topics such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some supporters feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

The result is unclear if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has reassured those who still hope for agreement.

Yet most delegates remained disheartened as they departed of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was summed up by an individual attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a entire container.”