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When the concept of a recent leftwing party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that a vast number expressed an interest in becoming members.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by disputes – its founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and funding model – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a fresh start.

Troubling First Day

Many of the attendees are former Labour members, disappointed by the direction of the present administration and looking for a ideological base as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have resolved their differences. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the well-known duo, remarking: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

But when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a mile from the venue.

Structure Conflict

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with one person chosen to lead, and implied he’d be likely to run if members selected this approach.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with key decisions being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she feels are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Conflict reached a peak around the afternoon 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 membership in other leftwing groups – notably the the SWP. 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 SWP was listed by the election authority – were incensed, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “sideshow”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Participants

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s activities descended into factionalism when they would have preferred to discuss crucial matters such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is still considering if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents 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

The result is unclear if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still desire unity.

Yet many participants remained disheartened as they made their way of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was captured by an individual delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a bottle.”