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As the notion of a new socialist party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals expressed an interest in joining.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a new beginning.

Disappointing First Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the agenda of the current government and seeking a political home as they fear the rise of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

However when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the conference site.

Leadership Division

It became evident there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with one person voted into power, and implied he’d be likely to run if members voted for this system.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with key decisions being made by lay members – those not presently working as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “single leaders”. She did, however, state she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about various associates and group leaders whom she believes are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

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 “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Factionalism

Tensions reached a peak around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – especially the the SWP. Her spokesperson described this as a “political persecution”, adding: “We need to establish a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were furious, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “distraction”. They think allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s events descended into factionalism when they would have preferred to discuss key issues such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some participants feel the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The result is unclear if the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the official title and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still hope for cohesion.

Yet many participants remained discouraged as they made their way of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was summed up by an individual participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a entire container.”