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When the concept of a recent leftwing party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in participating.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by disputes – its leaders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would herald a fresh start.

Troubling Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the policies of the current government and seeking a new party as they are concerned by the growing influence of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the well-known duo, saying: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

However when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a mile from the location.

Structure Division

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with one person chosen to lead, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members chose this system.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being taken by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about some of his allies and party administrators whom she feels are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is known that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Strains escalated significantly around midday when it emerged Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her representative described this as a “witch-hunt”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the election authority – were incensed, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “sideshow”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be officially listed by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings descended into group conflicts when they would have rather focus on important topics such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some participants think the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Hope for Sunday

It remains to be seen if the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the official title and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still desire cohesion.

But the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was expressed by an individual participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a entire container.”