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When the concept of a new socialist party led by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number registered their intent in participating.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by arguments – its leaders rowed bitterly over its early governance and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would herald a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

A significant portion of the attendees are ex-supporters of Labour, disappointed by the policies of the present administration and searching for a ideological base as they fear the growing influence of the competing political group.

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 lightheartedly likened the duo to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

But when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a mile from the conference site.

Structure Disagreement

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual voted into power, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this system.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with important choices being decided by ordinary participants – those not already serving as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about certain supporters and group leaders whom she thinks are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is known that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Group Conflicts

Tensions reached a peak around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – notably the the political group. Her aide described this as a “political persecution”, stating: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “sideshow”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s events became dominated by group conflicts when they would have preferred to address crucial matters such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some supporters believe the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The result is unclear if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has comforted those who still wish for agreement.

However most delegates remained despondent as they shuffled out of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was captured by one participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a bottle.”