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As the notion of a fresh socialist party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that a vast number showed enthusiasm in participating.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's first major event would represent a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the direction of the present administration and seeking a new party as they worry about the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

But when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a mile from the venue.

Leadership Division

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members chose this approach.

But, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being made by ordinary participants – those not presently working as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about various associates and group leaders whom she thinks are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Tensions escalated significantly around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to membership in other leftwing groups – notably the the SWP. Her representative called this a “political persecution”, stating: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the election authority – were furious, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “secondary event”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

On the status of the SWP, one associate said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Participants

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by factionalism when they would have preferred to discuss crucial matters such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

The group is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some members think the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

It remains to be seen if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has comforted those who still wish for cohesion.

However the majority of attendees remained despondent as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was expressed by one participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a entire container.”