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As the notion of a new leftwing party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in participating.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its leaders rowed bitterly over its early governance and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a fresh start.

Concerning Opening Day

Many of the attendees are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the agenda of the present administration and looking for a new party as they are concerned by the rise of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the well-known duo, stating: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

Yet when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a brief walk from the conference site.

Structure Conflict

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

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “single leaders”. She did, however, suggest she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she believes are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Factionalism

Tensions came to a head around midday when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – notably the the political group. Her representative described this as a “political persecution”, adding: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the election authority – were furious, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

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

Frustration Among Attendees

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by group conflicts when they would have rather address important topics such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is still considering if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some supporters believe the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still desire agreement.

Yet most delegates remained despondent as they departed of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was summed up by one delegate, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a entire container.”