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As the notion of a recent leftwing party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number registered their intent in participating.

Although it was quickly beset by internal conflicts – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would herald a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

Many of the attendees are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the agenda of the present administration and seeking a ideological base as they worry about the rise of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the well-known duo, remarking: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

However when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a mile from the conference site.

Governance Disagreement

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this option.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being taken by lay members – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

Despite Sultana claiming she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and party administrators whom she feels are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Conflict came to a head around midday when it emerged Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson described this as a “targeted purge”, adding: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the election authority – were incensed, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be officially listed by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings turned into factionalism when they would have wanted to address important topics such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some members feel the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for Sunday

The result is unclear if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the official title and governance model – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still wish for unity.

However many participants remained discouraged as they departed of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by one attendee, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a full bottle.”