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As the notion of a recent leftwing party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number registered their intent in participating.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would represent a renewed effort.

Disappointing Opening Day

Many of the participants are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the agenda of the current government and looking for a political home as they fear the rise of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

But when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a brief walk from the conference site.

Structure Conflict

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he favoured a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and indicated he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this option.

But, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with important choices being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, however, state she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and group leaders whom she feels are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

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 would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson described this as a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were incensed, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They think permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “It might not be registered with the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings turned into group conflicts when they would have wanted to discuss important topics such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some supporters believe the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the official title and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still wish for agreement.

But the majority of attendees remained despondent as they departed of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the atmosphere of the day was summed up by a single attendee, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a entire container.”