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When the concept of a fresh leftwing party led by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals expressed an interest in joining.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its leaders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a renewed effort.

Troubling First Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the direction of the incumbent leadership and searching for a new party as they worry about the rise of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

But when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a brief walk from the conference site.

Structure Division

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with one person voted into power, and implied he’d be likely to run if members voted for this system.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with important choices being taken by ordinary participants – those not presently working as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about various associates and group leaders whom she feels are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Factionalism

Tensions reached a peak around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her representative labeled this a “political persecution”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the regulatory body – were furious, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “distraction”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by factionalism when they would have rather focus on important topics such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some participants feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has comforted those who still wish for agreement.

Yet many participants remained despondent as they departed of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was summed up by an individual attendee, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a bottle.”