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When the concept of a recent leftwing party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number registered their intent in becoming members.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by disputes – its founders clashed fiercely over its early governance and financial approach – many expected this weekend's first major event would signal a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the agenda of the incumbent leadership and seeking a ideological base as they worry about the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

But when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a mile from the conference site.

Structure Disagreement

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he supported a established hierarchical structure, with one person voted into power, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this option.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with important choices being made by lay members – those not presently working as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted 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 working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Factionalism

Conflict escalated significantly around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson described this as a “political persecution”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the election authority – were angry, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They think permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one associate said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by internal disputes when they would have rather discuss crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is still considering if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some supporters feel the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has comforted those who still desire unity.

However the majority of attendees remained despondent as they departed of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was expressed by an individual participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a entire container.”