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When the concept of a recent socialist party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by arguments – its leaders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's launch gathering would herald a renewed effort.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the agenda of the present administration and seeking a political home as they fear the growing influence of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a brief walk from the venue.

Leadership Conflict

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this system.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she believes are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Conflict escalated significantly around midday when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – notably the the political group. Her representative called this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were incensed, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They think allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not registered with the regulatory body but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings descended into factionalism when they would have rather focus on key issues such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is still considering if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some supporters believe the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

It remains to be seen if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still wish for agreement.

However many participants remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was captured by an individual delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a bottle.”