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When the concept of a recent leftwing party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals registered their intent in joining.

Although it was quickly beset by arguments – its founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would herald a renewed effort.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the attendees are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the agenda of the current government and looking for a new party as they are concerned by the growing influence of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the duo to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the conference site.

Governance Conflict

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he favoured a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members voted for this option.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with key decisions being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and party administrators whom she feels are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Internal Divisions

Strains reached a peak around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her aide called this a “political persecution”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the Electoral Commission – were furious, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “secondary event”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

On the status of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Participants

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s events turned into factionalism when they would have wanted to focus on important topics such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some supporters feel the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the final designation and governance model – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has reassured those who still hope for agreement.

However the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was summed up by an individual delegate, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a bottle.”