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As the notion of a recent leftwing party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in participating.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its leaders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's first major event would herald a fresh start.

Disappointing First Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the agenda of the present administration and searching for a ideological base as they worry about the growing influence of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the well-known duo, saying: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

However when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a short distance from the location.

Leadership Conflict

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he supported a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this system.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with key decisions being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members are enabled” – she was scathing about various associates and Your Party officials whom she believes are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Factionalism

Tensions came to a head around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – notably the the political group. Her spokesperson labeled this a “political persecution”, stating: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the regulatory body – were angry, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “secondary event”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be officially listed by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Delegates

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s events turned into internal disputes when they would have preferred to discuss important topics such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants believe the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the official title and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still hope for cohesion.

Yet many participants remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was expressed by one delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a entire container.”