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As the notion of a new leftwing party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals expressed an interest in becoming members.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by disputes – its founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would herald a renewed effort.

Disappointing Opening Day

A significant portion of the attendees are ex-supporters of Labour, disappointed by the agenda of the present administration and searching for a ideological base as they worry about the growing influence of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's launch event were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the famous musical siblings, saying: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

However when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a mile from the conference site.

Structure Division

It became evident there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he favoured a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this option.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being made by lay members – those not currently acting as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members are enabled” – she was scathing about various associates and Your Party officials whom she believes are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is understood that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Strains came to a head around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – notably the the SWP. Her spokesperson called this a “political persecution”, stating: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the Electoral Commission – were angry, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “sideshow”. They feel allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the new party.

On the status of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s activities descended into group conflicts when they would have wanted to focus on crucial matters such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some participants feel the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Hope for Sunday

The result is unclear if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the official title and governance model – will be announced. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still hope for unity.

But most delegates remained discouraged as they made their way of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was expressed by one participant, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a entire container.”