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At the idea of a recent socialist party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that a vast number expressed an interest in participating.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would represent a renewed effort.

Troubling Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the policies of the incumbent leadership and seeking a new party as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

But when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a short distance from the venue.

Governance Conflict

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this option.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with key decisions being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about various associates and group leaders whom she thinks are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had led to “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Group Conflicts

Conflict escalated significantly around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her representative described this as a “witch-hunt”, adding: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the election authority – were angry, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Participants

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s events became dominated by group conflicts when they would have preferred to focus on important topics such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some members believe the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still hope for cohesion.

However the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they departed of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was expressed by one attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a bottle.”