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When the concept of a new leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its founders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and financial approach – many expected this weekend's first major event would signal a fresh start.

Troubling Opening Day

A significant portion of the attendees are former Labour members, disappointed by the direction of the current government and looking for a ideological base as they worry about the rise of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

But when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a brief walk from the conference site.

Leadership Disagreement

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members selected this system.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being decided by ordinary participants – those not presently working as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, however, suggest 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 previous leader 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 sharply negative about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she believes are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Factionalism

Conflict escalated significantly around midday when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in alliance with potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – notably the the SWP. Her spokesperson called this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the Electoral Commission – were angry, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “sideshow”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Participants

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings descended into internal disputes when they would have preferred to discuss important topics such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

The group is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some members feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The result is unclear if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the official title and governance model – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still desire unity.

Yet the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they departed of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was expressed by a single participant, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a bottle.”