Your Party co-founder Zarah Sultana warned that restoring confidence inside the movement has become essential as the party’s first founding conference opened amid disputes and allegations of a "witch-hunt".
A series of expulsions and accusations erupted only hours into the event, prompting delegates to describe the opening as chaotic.
Her absence from the conference floor quickly drew attention and fed speculation about deepening internal rifts.
"The drama has been really disappointing," Sultana told The New Arab. "Unfortunately, the perception of the party has been affected by some of these issues, and we have to rebuild a lot of trust.
"We saw the news of people being expelled or not able to enter the conference, and that's deeply disappointing. But we can't be discouraged by what we’re seeing. This is the fight for the democracy of this party and we have to keep going."
Sultana's absence came despite being referenced in Jeremy Corbyn's opening speech, which highlighted her appearance at a rally the night before.
Reports soon circulated that she had refused to enter the ACC arena in solidarity with Socialist Workers' Party (SWS) members who were expelled ahead of the conference under rules banning links to other political parties. Your Party denies claims she "ditched" the event.
The controversy unfolded shortly after Corbyn called for unity and promised to build a party of a "different voice". But the early hours of debate were overtaken by the fallout from the expulsions, with the independent’s spokesperson describing the process as a "witch-hunt". Your Party rejects that allegation.
The leadership dispute comes on the back of weeks of internal tension. Independent MPs Adnan Hussain and Iqbal Mohamed, who were among the party's early champions, resigned shortly before the conference. Their departure adds to the sense of a movement still struggling to define its foundations.
Sultana said such turbulence was expected.
"None of us have set up a new party before, none of us have designed its structures before, and so we are constantly learning. All of the teething issues and even what we’re seeing play out at conference is ultimately about the democracy of this party," she said.
Independent MPs Shockat Adam and Ayoub Khan echoed that sentiment.
"You’re going to always get internal dramas," Khan told The New Arab. "That's just the nature of politics, and certainly with such a new movement, such a large movement, it’s going to happen, it’s inevitable."
Adam, drawing on his pre-politics career, added: "The formation of any business, any organisation, is always paved with rocky roads and difficult decisions. This is starting a political party. It was never going to be plain sailing. It could have been handled better, without a doubt."
On the resignations, Hussain said he had felt "really saddened and disappointed" but respected the decisions involved.
"We didn't know each other until 15–16 months ago, and we’ve grown very, very close, and I completely respect their decision," he told The New Arab.
Khan hoped they might return: "A day in politics is very long. This is just the embryonic stage of a new journey. As we move forward, I’m hoping they may well rejoin."
Both MPs said Britain faces "enormous challenges", including rising racism and the far right. Khan argued the new party could become a vehicle to confront those issues: "I believe this is the right vehicle, and so I want to be part of something that can address some of the biggest challenges of society today."
Debates over socially conservative viewpoints also resurfaced. Writing for PoliticsHome, Adnan Hussain said he had been told he was unfit to represent the working class because of his views.
Sultana said there was "no room" for such positions inside a socialist left-wing party, while insisting on an inclusive culture.
"While not everyone will have the same analysis as I do about coalition building and fighting in the name of solidarity, we will build an inclusive culture where we allow all views to be respected," she said.
"Ultimately, it's about solidarity and understanding that there are a lot of forces seeking to divide our communities. We all face threats coming from the same place, and we have to organise against that."
Sultana will address delegates on Sunday, marking her first appearance on the conference stage. She said she was "excited" for the speech and explained that Saturday was simply not her allocated slot.
"This is bigger than anyone's ego. This is about changing people's lives, and that has to be the most important thing."