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As the notion of a recent leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that a vast number registered their intent in becoming members.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by arguments – its founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and financial approach – many expected this weekend's first major event would represent a fresh start.

Concerning Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the agenda of the incumbent leadership and seeking a new party as they worry about the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the pair to the well-known duo, remarking: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a mile from the venue.

Leadership Conflict

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he supported a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members voted for this option.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with important choices being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and group leaders whom she feels are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Factionalism

Tensions reached a peak around midday when it emerged Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her aide called this a “political persecution”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the regulatory body – were angry, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “distraction”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s activities turned into factionalism when they would have wanted to address key issues such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is still considering if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some participants think the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still wish for cohesion.

But many participants remained discouraged as they departed of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was captured by a single attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a full bottle.”