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As the notion of a new leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals expressed an interest in becoming members.

Although it was quickly beset by disputes – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and funding model – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a fresh start.

Disappointing First Day

Many of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the direction of the incumbent leadership and looking for a ideological base as they worry about the growing influence of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a mile from the venue.

Governance Conflict

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and implied he’d be likely to run if members chose this approach.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with important choices being decided by ordinary participants – those not already serving as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she feels are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is known that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Factionalism

Tensions came to a head around midday when it emerged Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to membership in other leftwing groups – particularly the the political group. Her representative labeled this a “witch-hunt”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the Electoral Commission – were furious, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “distraction”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s activities descended into group conflicts when they would have preferred to address important topics such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s local elections.

The group is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some members think the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the official title and governance model – will be announced. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still wish for unity.

Yet many participants remained disheartened as they made their way of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was captured by an individual delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a entire container.”