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At the idea of a new socialist party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in joining.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its leaders disagreed intensely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's launch gathering would herald a renewed effort.

Troubling First Day

Many of the attendees are former Labour members, unhappy about the direction of the current government and searching for a new party as they are concerned by the rise of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the location.

Structure Conflict

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members selected this system.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with key decisions being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she believes are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Group Conflicts

Conflict reached a peak around midday when it became known Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – particularly the the SWP. Her representative called this a “political persecution”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the regulatory body – were angry, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s events descended into group conflicts when they would have rather focus on key issues such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some members believe the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Hope for Sunday

The result is unclear if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has comforted those who still desire unity.

Yet the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they made their way of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was captured by one participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a bottle.”