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At the idea of a fresh socialist party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals expressed an interest in becoming members.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and financial approach – many expected this weekend's launch gathering would represent a new beginning.

Concerning Opening Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the direction of the current government and searching for a new party as they fear the rise of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have resolved their differences. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the well-known duo, saying: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

However when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a short distance from the conference site.

Governance Conflict

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with one person elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this system.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with key decisions being taken by ordinary participants – those not presently working as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, however, indicate she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she thinks are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Factionalism

Tensions escalated significantly around midday when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her aide described this as a “political persecution”, commenting: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the regulatory body – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one associate said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s events descended into factionalism when they would have rather focus on key issues such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some members believe the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Hope for Sunday

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the official title and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still hope for cohesion.

But many participants remained despondent as they made their way of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the atmosphere of the day was captured by one attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a entire container.”