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At the idea of a fresh socialist party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number expressed an interest in participating.

Although it was quickly beset by internal conflicts – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would represent a new beginning.

Troubling Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the policies of the current government and seeking a political home as they worry about the rise of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

But when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a mile from the location.

Governance Division

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members voted for this approach.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with key decisions being decided by ordinary participants – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and party administrators whom she thinks are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Strains escalated significantly around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – particularly the the political group. Her spokesperson described this as a “targeted purge”, stating: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the regulatory body – were incensed, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one associate said: “It might not be registered with the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s events became dominated by group conflicts when they would have preferred to discuss crucial matters such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some participants think the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still wish for agreement.

Yet the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was expressed by one participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a bottle.”