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As the notion of a recent leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in joining.

Even though it became quickly beset by arguments – its leaders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a new beginning.

Disappointing First Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the policies of the current government and searching for a political home as they are concerned by the rise of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

However when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a mile from the location.

Leadership Conflict

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with one person voted into power, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this option.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she feels are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is known that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Factionalism

Tensions came to a head around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her representative described this as a “political persecution”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

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

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't registered with the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s events became dominated by internal disputes when they would have wanted to focus on key issues such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some members think the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has encouraged those who still desire unity.

Yet most delegates remained discouraged as they made their way of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was captured by one attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a full bottle.”