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At the idea of a new leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in participating.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its leaders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's first major event would signal a renewed effort.

Concerning Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the policies of the incumbent leadership and looking for a political home as they fear the growing influence of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's launch event were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a mile from the location.

Leadership Disagreement

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with one person elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members selected this option.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with important choices being taken by lay members – those not presently working as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about various associates and group leaders whom she feels are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had led to “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Strains escalated significantly around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – particularly the the SWP. Her spokesperson called this a “targeted purge”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the Electoral Commission – were incensed, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the election authority but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings descended into factionalism when they would have preferred to discuss key issues such as the financial challenges and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is still considering if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some supporters believe the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for Day Two

It remains to be seen if the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the final designation and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still desire cohesion.

However many participants remained disheartened as they made their way of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the atmosphere of the day was captured by a single attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a full bottle.”