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As the notion of a recent leftwing party led by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in becoming members.

Despite being quickly beset by internal conflicts – its leaders rowed bitterly over its early governance and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would represent a fresh start.

Disappointing Opening Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the policies of the incumbent leadership and seeking a political home as they worry about the growing influence of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a mile from the conference site.

Governance Division

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with one person elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this approach.

But, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with crucial policies being decided by lay members – those not presently working as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she feels are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is known that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Tensions came to a head around midday when it emerged Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – particularly the the SWP. Her aide labeled this a “targeted purge”, adding: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the Electoral Commission – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

On the status of the the political group, one associate said: “It might not be formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s events turned into factionalism when they would have preferred to discuss key issues such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants think the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the final designation and governance model – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still wish for agreement.

Yet many participants remained disheartened as they made their way of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was expressed by an individual delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a bottle.”