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When the concept of a fresh leftwing party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals expressed an interest in participating.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its founders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and financial approach – many expected this weekend's first major event would represent a new beginning.

Disappointing First Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the agenda of the incumbent leadership and looking for a new party as they fear the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the famous musical siblings, stating: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

But when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a short distance from the location.

Leadership Division

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he favoured a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this approach.

But, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with important choices being taken by lay members – those not already serving as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about certain supporters and party administrators whom she feels are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Group Conflicts

Conflict reached a peak around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – notably the the political group. Her representative labeled this a “political persecution”, stating: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the election authority – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “distraction”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the new party.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by internal disputes when they would have preferred to address important topics such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is still considering if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some members believe the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still hope for unity.

But most delegates remained disheartened as they departed of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was captured by a single participant, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a bottle.”