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At the idea of a new leftwing party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in participating.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would represent a fresh start.

Troubling First Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the policies of the incumbent leadership and seeking a new party as they fear the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the well-known duo, saying: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

But when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a mile from the venue.

Structure Conflict

It became evident there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with one person voted into power, and implied he’d be likely to run if members voted for this system.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with important choices being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about some of his allies and party administrators whom she feels are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

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 led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Tensions reached a peak around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson labeled this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the election authority – were incensed, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “distraction”. They feel allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by factionalism when they would have rather focus on crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

The group is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants believe the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has comforted those who still desire unity.

Yet most delegates remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was summed up by a single participant, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a bottle.”