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When the concept of a new socialist party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number registered their intent in becoming members.

Despite being quickly beset by arguments – its founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a new beginning.

Troubling First Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the direction of the current government and seeking a political home as they fear the rise of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a mile from the venue.

Governance Conflict

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he supported a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this option.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being taken by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and party administrators whom she feels are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is understood that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The Coventry South MP – who left 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”.

Absence and Internal Divisions

Strains escalated significantly around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – notably the the political group. Her aide labeled this a “targeted purge”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were furious, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “secondary event”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one associate said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s events descended into group conflicts when they would have preferred to focus on key issues such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is still considering if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some supporters believe the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the official title and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still hope for unity.

However most delegates remained disheartened as they made their way of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was captured by a single participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a bottle.”