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As the notion of a recent socialist party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number expressed an interest in participating.

Although it was quickly beset by arguments – its leaders disagreed intensely over its early governance and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would represent a fresh start.

Disappointing Opening Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the agenda of the present administration and seeking a new party as they are concerned by the growing influence of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

Yet when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a short distance from the conference site.

Governance Division

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members selected this option.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with important choices being decided by lay members – those not currently acting as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she believes are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is known that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Strains came to a head around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her representative called this a “witch-hunt”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the regulatory body – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “distraction”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s events descended into factionalism when they would have preferred to discuss important topics such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is still considering if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some members think the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for Sunday

It remains to be seen if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still desire agreement.

But the majority of attendees remained despondent as they made their way of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was captured by an individual delegate, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a bottle.”