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As the notion of a recent socialist party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals registered their intent in participating.

Despite being quickly beset by arguments – its founders rowed bitterly over its early governance and financial approach – many expected this weekend's first major event would signal a renewed effort.

Troubling Opening Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, disappointed by the agenda of the incumbent leadership and looking for a new party as they worry about the increasing popularity of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have resolved their differences. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

However when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a mile from the conference site.

Leadership Division

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members chose this option.

But, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with key decisions being made by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she believes are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Internal Divisions

Strains reached a peak around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her representative described this as a “targeted purge”, adding: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the election authority – were furious, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't registered with the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Participants

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s events turned into group conflicts when they would have preferred to discuss key issues such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is still considering if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents 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 Sunday

The result is unclear if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the official title and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has comforted those who still hope for unity.

But most delegates remained discouraged as they made their way of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was summed up by an individual attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a entire container.”