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As the notion of a fresh leftwing party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number registered their intent in becoming members.

Despite being quickly beset by internal conflicts – its founders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a renewed effort.

Concerning First Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the policies of the incumbent leadership and seeking a ideological base as they worry about the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have resolved their differences. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

However when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a brief walk from the venue.

Leadership Conflict

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he supported a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual voted into power, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this option.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with important choices being made by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and party administrators whom she feels are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Strains escalated significantly around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her representative described this as a “political persecution”, adding: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the Electoral Commission – were incensed, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They feel allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings turned into group conflicts when they would have rather focus on key issues such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some supporters believe the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the official title and governance model – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still wish for agreement.

Yet many participants remained discouraged as they departed of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the atmosphere of the day was expressed by a single delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a entire container.”