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When the concept of a new leftwing party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in becoming members.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by disputes – its leaders rowed bitterly over its early governance and funding model – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a renewed effort.

Concerning First Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the agenda of the incumbent leadership and searching for a ideological base as they fear the rise of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the pair to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

But when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a mile from the location.

Governance Conflict

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader voted into power, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this approach.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being made by lay members – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and group leaders whom she feels are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Strains came to a head around midday when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her aide labeled this a “political persecution”, stating: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s events descended into factionalism when they would have preferred to discuss important topics such as the financial challenges and migration policy, as well as planning for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some supporters believe the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

The result is unclear if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the official title and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still hope for agreement.

However many participants remained discouraged as they made their way of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by a single participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a entire container.”