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At the idea of a recent socialist party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its early governance and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would represent a fresh start.

Disappointing Opening Day

Many of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the direction of the incumbent leadership and seeking a new party as they worry about the increasing popularity of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

But when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a short distance from the venue.

Governance Division

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this system.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with crucial policies being taken by lay members – those not currently acting as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Problematic Environment

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 “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about various associates and Your Party officials whom she thinks are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Factionalism

Conflict escalated significantly around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – notably the the political group. Her representative labeled this a “political persecution”, adding: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the election authority – were angry, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the new party.

On the status of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be registered with the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Disappointment Among Participants

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s activities turned into factionalism when they would have rather focus on key issues such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

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

Optimism for Day Two

The result is unclear if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still wish for agreement.

However most delegates remained despondent as they made their way of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was captured by an individual attendee, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a bottle.”