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As the notion of a fresh socialist party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals registered their intent in becoming members.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its leaders disagreed intensely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would represent a new beginning.

Disappointing First Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the direction of the current government and searching for a new party as they fear the rise of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

However when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a short distance from the venue.

Governance Division

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a traditional leadership model, with a single individual chosen to lead, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this option.

But, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, however, suggest she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about some of his allies and party administrators whom she feels are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is understood that relations between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Conflict reached a peak around midday when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to membership in other leftwing groups – especially the the SWP. Her representative described this as a “political persecution”, stating: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the regulatory body – were incensed, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They think permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the new party.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s events descended into factionalism when they would have preferred to focus on key issues such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

The group is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters feel the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the final designation and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still hope for cohesion.

Yet most delegates remained discouraged as they departed of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was expressed by a single attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a full bottle.”