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At the idea of a recent socialist 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 becoming members.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its leaders disagreed intensely over its early governance and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would represent a renewed effort.

Disappointing First Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the agenda of the current government and looking for a ideological base as they are concerned by the rise of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

But when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably not present. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a short distance from the venue.

Governance Disagreement

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and implied he’d be likely to run if members chose this approach.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was scathing about some of his allies and party administrators whom she thinks are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Internal Divisions

Tensions reached a peak around midday when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – notably the the political group. Her representative called this a “witch-hunt”, adding: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the election authority – were furious, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

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

Disappointment Among Participants

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s activities turned into factionalism when they would have rather discuss crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some participants feel the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the party’s permanent name and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has reassured those who still desire agreement.

But the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was summed up by a single attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a full bottle.”