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As the notion of a new socialist party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in joining.

Although it was quickly beset by internal conflicts – its founders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and funding model – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would represent a renewed effort.

Troubling Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are ex-supporters of Labour, disappointed by the direction of the current government and seeking a ideological base as they worry about the growing influence of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the well-known duo, saying: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

But when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a short distance from the conference site.

Governance Division

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this system.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with important choices being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was scathing about certain supporters and group leaders whom she feels are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Factionalism

Strains escalated significantly around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her representative described this as a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the election authority – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They think allowing multiparty membership would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Participants

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings turned into internal disputes when they would have wanted to address crucial matters such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some members think the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still desire agreement.

However the majority of attendees remained despondent as they shuffled out of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was captured by a single participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a full bottle.”