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When the concept of a new 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 showed enthusiasm in joining.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a fresh start.

Disappointing First Day

A significant portion of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the direction of the current government and seeking a new party as they are concerned by the growing influence of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

But when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a brief walk from the location.

Governance Division

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual voted into power, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this approach.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with important choices being decided by lay members – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about some of his allies and group leaders whom she believes are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Factionalism

Conflict came to a head around midday when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – particularly the the SWP. Her representative labeled this a “witch-hunt”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the Electoral Commission – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't registered with the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Participants

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s activities descended into factionalism when they would have rather focus on important topics such as the financial challenges and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some members believe the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the official title and governance model – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still desire agreement.

But the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was expressed by an individual delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a entire container.”