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When the concept of a fresh socialist party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals expressed an interest in becoming members.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its founders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and financial approach – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a fresh start.

Disappointing First Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, disappointed by the direction of the present administration and searching for a political home as they are concerned by the rise of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the well-known duo, saying: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

But when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a short distance from the venue.

Structure Conflict

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members selected this approach.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with key decisions being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, however, suggest she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she feels are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had led to “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Tensions came to a head around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – especially the the SWP. Her spokesperson called this a “witch-hunt”, adding: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were angry, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They feel allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one associate said: “It might not be formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s events descended into internal disputes when they would have preferred to focus on crucial matters such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some supporters feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has comforted those who still wish for cohesion.

But the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they departed of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was captured by an individual participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a full bottle.”