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At the idea of a fresh leftwing party led by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals expressed an interest in joining.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its leaders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and financial approach – many expected this weekend's first major event would herald a fresh start.

Disappointing First Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are former Labour members, unhappy about the agenda of the incumbent leadership and searching for a political home as they fear the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a mile from the venue.

Structure Division

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a traditional leadership model, with one person elected to take charge, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this system.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as elected officials. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she thinks are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

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

Absence and Factionalism

Tensions came to a head around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson described this as a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They think permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be registered with the election authority but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s activities descended into internal disputes when they would have rather focus on important topics such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is still considering if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some participants feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

The result is unclear if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the official title and governance model – will be announced. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still desire agreement.

Yet most delegates remained discouraged 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 captured by an individual attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a bottle.”