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When the concept of a fresh socialist party led by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in becoming members.

Although it was quickly beset by disputes – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its early governance and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's launch gathering would represent a new beginning.

Concerning First Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the agenda of the current government and searching for a political home as they fear the growing influence of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the famous musical siblings, saying: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

Yet when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a mile from the venue.

Governance Conflict

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this approach.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, however, indicate she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she thinks are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Tensions came to a head around midday when it emerged Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson called this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were angry, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They think allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

On the status of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be formally recognized by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings descended into internal disputes when they would have wanted to discuss important topics such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

The group is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some participants feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Hope for Day Two

The result is unclear if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has reassured those who still desire cohesion.

Yet most delegates remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was summed up by one participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a entire container.”