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At the idea of a recent socialist party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in joining.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and financial approach – many expected this weekend's launch gathering would represent a fresh start.

Disappointing Opening Day

Many of the participants are former Labour members, disappointed by the agenda of the incumbent leadership and looking for a ideological base as they are concerned by the rise of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

But when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a mile from the conference site.

Governance Division

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members chose this approach.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being taken by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about certain supporters and group leaders whom she feels are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had led to “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Factionalism

Strains escalated significantly around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – particularly the the SWP. Her representative called this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were furious, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “distraction”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

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

Frustration Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s events descended into group conflicts when they would have preferred to focus on crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, 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 think the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the official title and governance model – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still wish for unity.

However the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they departed of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was summed up by a single attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a bottle.”