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When the concept of a fresh leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number registered their intent in participating.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would signal a new beginning.

Concerning First Day

A significant portion of the participants are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the direction of the current government and seeking a ideological base as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the famous musical siblings, stating: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

However when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a short distance from the location.

Governance Conflict

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members chose this option.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with key decisions being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about various associates and party administrators whom she believes are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Factionalism

Strains came to a head around midday when it emerged Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – especially the the political group. Her spokesperson labeled this a “targeted purge”, commenting: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the Electoral Commission – were furious, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “secondary event”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be formally recognized by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Participants

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings descended into group conflicts when they would have wanted to focus on important topics such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is still considering if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some supporters think the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still wish for cohesion.

However most delegates remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was captured by one delegate, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a bottle.”