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When the concept of a fresh socialist party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in becoming members.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and funding model – many hoped this weekend's first major event would signal a renewed effort.

Troubling First Day

Many of the attendees are former Labour members, disappointed by the policies of the incumbent leadership and looking for a new party as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. 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.”

Yet when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a mile from the location.

Governance Conflict

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he supported a traditional leadership model, with a single individual chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this approach.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with important choices being decided by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a contest 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 “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and party administrators whom she thinks are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Internal Divisions

Conflict came to a head around midday when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her aide described this as a “witch-hunt”, stating: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the Electoral Commission – were furious, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “secondary event”. They think permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “Although it isn't registered with the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings turned into internal disputes when they would have rather discuss key issues such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is still considering if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters feel the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still wish for cohesion.

However many participants remained disheartened as they departed of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was summed up by a single participant, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a full bottle.”