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When the concept of a fresh leftwing party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number expressed an interest in becoming members.

Despite being quickly beset by disputes – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would signal a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

Many of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the agenda of the incumbent leadership and looking for a ideological base as they fear the rise of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a short distance from the venue.

Governance Disagreement

It became evident there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with one person elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be prepared to compete if members chose this option.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with crucial policies being decided by lay members – those not presently working as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she feels are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is known that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Conflict came to a head around midday when it emerged Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson called this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the Electoral Commission – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Delegates

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by factionalism when they would have preferred to address key issues such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is still considering if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants believe the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for Day Two

It remains to be seen if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still wish for agreement.

Yet most delegates remained disheartened as they made their way of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by an individual participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a full bottle.”