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As the notion of a new leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in participating.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by disputes – its founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a renewed effort.

Concerning Opening Day

Many of the participants are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the agenda of the incumbent leadership and searching for a new party as they fear the rise of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a short distance from the conference site.

Leadership Disagreement

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a traditional leadership model, with a single individual chosen to lead, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this option.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with key decisions being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members are enabled” – she was scathing about some of his allies and group leaders whom she believes are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Tensions escalated significantly around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her aide labeled this a “witch-hunt”, adding: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the regulatory body – were angry, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “distraction”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the new party.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s events became dominated by factionalism when they would have preferred to address important topics such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

The group is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some supporters feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the official title and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still desire unity.

Yet the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was captured by an individual delegate, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a bottle.”