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As the notion of a new leftwing party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in joining.

Although it was quickly beset by arguments – its founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and funding model – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a fresh start.

Disappointing Opening Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, disappointed by the direction of the incumbent leadership and looking for a ideological base as they worry about the rise of the rival party.

As plans for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Participating in 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.”

However when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a brief walk from the conference site.

Governance Division

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with one person chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this approach.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with important choices being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and group leaders whom she thinks are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among certain members of Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Factionalism

Tensions reached a peak around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her representative called this a “witch-hunt”, adding: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were angry, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They think permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

On the status of the the political group, one associate said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Participants

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings turned into internal disputes when they would have rather discuss key issues such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some members think the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the official title and governance model – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still desire agreement.

Yet the majority of attendees remained despondent as they made their way of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the atmosphere of the day was summed up by one attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a bottle.”