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As the notion of a new socialist party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in becoming members.

Although it was quickly beset by internal conflicts – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would herald a renewed effort.

Disappointing Opening Day

Many of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the policies of the incumbent leadership and searching for a political home as they are concerned by the growing influence of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the well-known duo, saying: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

However when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the conference site.

Leadership Division

It became evident there was no unified position on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with one person voted into power, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this system.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with key decisions being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they hoped the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about various associates and group leaders whom she feels are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is known that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Factionalism

Tensions escalated significantly around midday when it became known Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson described this as a “targeted purge”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the regulatory body – were furious, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Participants

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by group conflicts when they would have preferred to address important topics such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

The group is still considering if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some supporters believe the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the official title and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has encouraged those who still hope for cohesion.

But many participants remained disheartened as they made their way of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was captured by one attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a entire container.”