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As the notion of a recent socialist party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in becoming members.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by arguments – its founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and funding model – many expected this weekend's launch gathering would herald a renewed effort.

Concerning First Day

Many of the participants are former Labour members, disappointed by the direction of the present administration and looking for a ideological base as they fear the rise of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the well-known duo, stating: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a mile from the location.

Leadership Division

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this option.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with important choices being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she feels are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Conflict came to a head around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her aide called this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the Electoral Commission – were incensed, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Participants

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s events turned into internal disputes when they would have rather focus on important topics such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some participants think the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has comforted those who still desire unity.

However the majority of attendees remained despondent as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was captured by a single participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a full bottle.”