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At the idea of a fresh leftwing party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals expressed an interest in joining.

Although it was quickly beset by disputes – its leaders clashed fiercely over its early governance and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would represent a renewed effort.

Troubling Opening Day

Many of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the direction of the incumbent leadership and seeking a new party as they worry about the rise of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have resolved their differences. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a short distance from the conference site.

Governance Division

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this option.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with important choices being made by lay members – those not currently acting as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about various associates and group leaders whom she believes are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

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

Absence and Internal Divisions

Conflict reached a peak around midday when it emerged Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her aide described this as a “political persecution”, stating: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the election authority – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They think permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one associate said: “It might not be registered with the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s activities descended into group conflicts when they would have wanted to focus on key issues such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some members believe the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still desire cohesion.

However the majority of attendees remained despondent as they made their way of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was captured by a single participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a bottle.”