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As the notion of a recent leftwing party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number registered their intent in joining.

Despite being quickly beset by disputes – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's launch gathering would signal a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

Many of the participants are former Labour members, disappointed by the policies of the current government and looking for a political home 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 seemed to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

But when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a short distance from the location.

Structure Division

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members chose this option.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with important choices being made by lay members – those not already serving as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she thinks are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – further stated 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 was revealed Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – especially the the SWP. Her representative called this a “targeted purge”, adding: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the election authority – were furious, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “distraction”. They think permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “Even if it is not registered with the election authority but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Participants

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s events turned into internal disputes when they would have wanted to address crucial matters such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is still considering if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some supporters believe the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

The result is unclear if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still hope for unity.

But most delegates remained despondent as they departed of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was captured by a single participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a bottle.”