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When the concept of a new leftwing party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals registered their intent in joining.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by arguments – its leaders disagreed intensely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's first major event would represent a renewed effort.

Concerning First Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the direction of the current government and searching for a political home as they fear the rise of the rival party.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a short distance from the venue.

Governance Conflict

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual chosen to lead, and implied he’d be likely to run if members selected this option.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being decided by lay members – those not presently working as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was scathing about various associates and group leaders whom she believes are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Factionalism

Tensions reached a peak around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to membership in other leftwing groups – notably the the political group. Her spokesperson labeled this a “political persecution”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were angry, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “secondary event”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the election authority but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s events turned into group conflicts when they would have rather focus on crucial matters such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

The group is still considering if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters feel the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

It remains to be seen if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still desire cohesion.

But many participants remained disheartened as they made their way of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was captured by an individual attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a entire container.”