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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 was so popular that countless individuals registered their intent in participating.

Although it was quickly beset by disputes – its leaders clashed fiercely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would represent a fresh start.

Troubling Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the agenda of the incumbent leadership and looking for a political home as they fear the rise of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have resolved their differences. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

However when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a brief walk from the venue.

Structure Disagreement

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this option.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with key decisions being taken by lay members – those not already serving as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she believes are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Factionalism

Conflict reached a peak around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – particularly the the political group. Her spokesperson described this as a “witch-hunt”, stating: “We must build 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 angry, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “distraction”. They feel allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not registered with the regulatory body but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Attendees

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s activities became dominated by group conflicts when they would have preferred to address key issues 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 support independent socialists and some supporters think the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the final designation and governance model – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still desire unity.

Yet most delegates remained despondent as they made their way of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was captured by a single attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a full bottle.”