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When the concept of a new leftwing party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in participating.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its leaders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and funding model – many hoped this weekend's first major event would signal a new beginning.

Disappointing First Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are former Labour members, disappointed by the agenda of the current government and seeking a ideological base as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the well-known duo, saying: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

However when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a short distance from the conference site.

Leadership Division

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a traditional leadership model, with one person chosen to lead, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this option.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with important choices being taken by lay members – those not already serving as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about various associates and party administrators whom she feels are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Tensions came to a head around midday when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – particularly the the SWP. Her spokesperson described this as a “political persecution”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were angry, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “distraction”. They think allowing multiparty membership would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the new party.

On the status of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be officially listed by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by internal disputes when they would have rather discuss crucial matters such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some members think the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The result is unclear if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still hope for cohesion.

But most delegates remained despondent as they departed of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was expressed by one delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a bottle.”