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When the concept of a recent leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in joining.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its leaders rowed bitterly over its early governance and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a renewed effort.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the participants are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the policies of the current government and seeking a ideological base as they are concerned by the rise of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the pair to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

However when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a short distance from the location.

Leadership Disagreement

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual voted into power, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this option.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being taken by lay members – those not presently working as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and group leaders whom she thinks are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Tensions came to a head around midday when it emerged Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – especially the the SWP. Her aide labeled this a “witch-hunt”, stating: “We need to establish a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the election authority – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't registered with the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Participants

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s activities turned into group conflicts when they would have wanted to address key issues such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is still considering if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some participants feel the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the official title and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still wish for unity.

Yet the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they made their way of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was summed up by an individual participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a full bottle.”