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As the notion of a fresh leftwing party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number registered their intent in becoming members.

Even though it became quickly beset by disputes – its leaders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's first major event would signal a fresh start.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are ex-supporters of Labour, disappointed by the direction of the current government and searching for a new party as they are concerned by the rise of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the well-known duo, stating: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

However when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a short distance from the location.

Governance Disagreement

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader voted into power, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this option.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being decided by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she thinks are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Factionalism

Tensions came to a head around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – notably the the SWP. Her aide described this as a “political persecution”, commenting: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the Electoral Commission – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They think allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not registered with the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings turned into group conflicts when they would have preferred to discuss important topics such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

The group is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some supporters think the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

The result is unclear if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has comforted those who still hope for unity.

However most delegates remained disheartened as they made their way of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was expressed by an individual delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a bottle.”