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When the concept of a fresh leftwing party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number registered their intent in participating.

Even though it became quickly beset by internal conflicts – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a new beginning.

Concerning First Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the policies of the present administration and seeking a ideological base as they fear the increasing popularity of the rival party.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

However when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a mile from the conference site.

Structure Disagreement

It became evident there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he favoured a conventional single-leader system, with one person elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this approach.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with important choices being decided by ordinary participants – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, however, suggest she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and group leaders whom she thinks are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that interactions between her backers 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 “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Internal Divisions

Tensions escalated significantly around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her representative labeled this a “political persecution”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the election authority – were furious, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “distraction”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s activities descended into factionalism when they would have preferred to address crucial matters such as the financial challenges and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is still considering if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some supporters feel the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still hope for unity.

But the majority of attendees remained despondent as they departed of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the atmosphere of the day was captured by one participant, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a full bottle.”