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As the notion of a recent leftwing party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in participating.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would signal a fresh start.

Concerning First Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, unhappy about the policies of the incumbent leadership and looking for a ideological base as they fear the growing influence of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's launch event were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the well-known duo, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

However when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a short distance from the conference site.

Governance Conflict

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members voted for this system.

But, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with key decisions being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as elected officials. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, however, state she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about various associates and Your Party officials whom she thinks are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had led to “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Tensions escalated significantly around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her representative labeled this a “witch-hunt”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the Electoral Commission – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They think permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be officially listed by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by group conflicts when they would have wanted to discuss crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

The group is still considering if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants believe the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

It remains to be seen if the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the party’s permanent name and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still wish for cohesion.

Yet many participants remained despondent as they made their way of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was summed up by one attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a bottle.”