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As the notion of a recent socialist party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals expressed an interest in joining.

Even though it became quickly beset by disputes – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a new beginning.

Troubling First Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the agenda of the incumbent leadership and looking for a ideological base as they fear the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the famous musical siblings, stating: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

However when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a brief walk from the conference site.

Structure Disagreement

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this system.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with key decisions being made by lay members – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she feels are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Tensions came to a head around midday when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her aide labeled this a “witch-hunt”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were incensed, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be officially listed by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s events descended into internal disputes when they would have rather address important topics 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 members think the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

It remains to be seen if the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the official title and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still wish for unity.

Yet many participants remained despondent as they departed of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was expressed by an individual attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a bottle.”