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When the concept of a fresh leftwing party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and funding model – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a fresh start.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the agenda of the present administration and seeking a ideological base as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the well-known duo, stating: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

But when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the venue.

Leadership Conflict

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a traditional leadership model, with a single individual voted into power, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this option.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with crucial policies being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they hoped the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about various associates and Your Party officials whom she thinks are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Internal Divisions

Tensions came to a head around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – notably the the SWP. Her spokesperson described this as a “witch-hunt”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the regulatory body – were incensed, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “secondary event”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the election authority but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Participants

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by group conflicts when they would have rather discuss important topics such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some supporters feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still hope for unity.

But many participants remained disheartened as they departed of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the atmosphere of the day was captured by an individual participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a full bottle.”