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At the idea of a fresh leftwing party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a fresh start.

Disappointing Opening Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the direction of the current government and seeking a new party as they are concerned by the growing influence of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the well-known duo, stating: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

But when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a short distance from the location.

Leadership Conflict

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person elected to take charge, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this system.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, however, state she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was scathing about some of his allies and group leaders whom she believes are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is known that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Internal Divisions

Strains came to a head around midday when it emerged Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – especially the the SWP. Her aide called this a “witch-hunt”, stating: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the Electoral Commission – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “sideshow”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the election authority but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Participants

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s events became dominated by group conflicts when they would have wanted to address key issues such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some supporters feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the official title and governance model – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has comforted those who still wish for unity.

However the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they departed of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was expressed by an individual participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a entire container.”