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At the idea of a recent leftwing party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would signal a new beginning.

Concerning First Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the agenda of the present administration and seeking a new party as they worry about the rise of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

But when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a short distance from the venue.

Governance Division

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this system.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being decided by lay members – those not presently working as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about various associates and Your Party officials whom she feels are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is known that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Internal Divisions

Conflict escalated significantly around midday when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – particularly the the SWP. Her aide labeled this a “political persecution”, adding: “We need to establish a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the Electoral Commission – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They think permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be registered with the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s events became dominated by factionalism when they would have rather discuss key issues such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some members believe the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the official title and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still wish for agreement.

But many participants remained disheartened as they departed of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the atmosphere of the day was captured by one participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a bottle.”