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At the idea of a new leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in joining.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by disputes – its founders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are former Labour members, disappointed by the policies of the incumbent leadership and seeking a political home as they are concerned by the rise of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

Yet when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a short distance from the conference site.

Structure Division

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a established hierarchical structure, with one person chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this system.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with important choices being decided by lay members – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, however, indicate she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they hoped the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she believes are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that relations between her backers 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 “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Internal Divisions

Tensions escalated significantly around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her aide described this as a “targeted purge”, stating: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the election authority – were furious, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “sideshow”. They feel allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't registered with the regulatory body but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s events became dominated by internal disputes when they would have wanted to focus on key issues such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some members feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the official title and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still wish for unity.

Yet most delegates remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was captured by one participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a entire container.”