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As the notion of a recent leftwing party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals registered their intent in joining.

Even though it became quickly beset by arguments – its founders clashed fiercely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a new beginning.

Disappointing First Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are former Labour members, disappointed by the direction of the present administration and looking for a ideological base as they fear the growing influence of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

Yet when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a mile from the location.

Structure Division

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he supported a conventional single-leader system, with one person chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this option.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with key decisions being made by ordinary participants – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and party administrators whom she believes are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Strains escalated significantly around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – notably the the political group. Her spokesperson labeled this a “targeted purge”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the Electoral Commission – were angry, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

On the status of the the political group, one associate said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the regulatory body but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s events turned into internal disputes when they would have rather address crucial matters such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is still considering if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some supporters think the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

It remains to be seen if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still wish for cohesion.

Yet most delegates remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was captured by a single delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a entire container.”