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At the idea of a fresh leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in participating.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its founders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and funding model – many expected this weekend's launch gathering would represent a fresh start.

Disappointing Opening Day

A significant portion of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the direction of the current government and looking for a political home as they worry about the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the famous musical siblings, saying: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

But when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a mile from the venue.

Leadership Conflict

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he supported a established hierarchical structure, with one person elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this system.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being taken by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and group leaders whom she believes are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had led to “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Strains reached a peak around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – notably the the political group. Her representative labeled this a “political persecution”, commenting: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were furious, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s activities became dominated by internal disputes when they would have rather address crucial matters such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some participants think the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has encouraged those who still hope for cohesion.

Yet the majority of attendees remained despondent as they departed of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was expressed by an individual delegate, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a full bottle.”