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At the idea of a fresh socialist party led by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in participating.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's first major event would represent a fresh start.

Troubling Opening Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the direction of the incumbent leadership and searching for a ideological base as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. 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.

Structure Division

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members voted for this approach.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with key decisions being taken by ordinary participants – those not presently working as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about various associates and group leaders whom she feels are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Group Conflicts

Tensions came to a head around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – especially the the political group. Her aide described this as a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “sideshow”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not registered with the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s activities turned into factionalism when they would have rather discuss key issues such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants believe the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

The result is unclear if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still desire unity.

But 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 atmosphere of the day was summed up by one attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a full bottle.”