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When the concept of a fresh leftwing party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals registered their intent in participating.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by disputes – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a renewed effort.

Disappointing First Day

Many of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the agenda of the incumbent leadership and seeking a political home as they fear the rise of the rival party.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the pair to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

But when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a mile from the venue.

Structure Disagreement

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a traditional leadership model, with one person elected to take charge, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this approach.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with important choices being decided by ordinary participants – those not already serving as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, however, indicate she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she feels are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Conflict escalated significantly around midday when it emerged Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – especially the the political group. Her representative called this a “targeted purge”, stating: “We need to establish a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were incensed, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the new party.

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

Disappointment Among Participants

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings descended into group conflicts when they would have wanted to discuss key issues such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants believe the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

The result is unclear if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still desire unity.

Yet most delegates remained despondent as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was expressed by one participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a full bottle.”