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As the notion of a new leftwing party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in participating.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its founders rowed bitterly over its early governance and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would herald a fresh start.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the participants are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the agenda of the present administration and looking for a new party as they worry about the rise of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the well-known duo, remarking: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a short distance from the venue.

Leadership Division

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with one person chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members chose this approach.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with key decisions being taken by lay members – those not presently working as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, however, state 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 ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was scathing about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she feels are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had led to “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Group Conflicts

Conflict came to a head around midday when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – particularly the the political group. Her representative called this a “targeted purge”, stating: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “distraction”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be registered with the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings descended into group conflicts when they would have preferred to focus on key issues such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some members feel the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

The result is unclear if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still desire cohesion.

Yet most delegates remained despondent as they made their way of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was expressed by an individual delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a entire container.”