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As the notion of a fresh leftwing party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in participating.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and funding model – many hoped this weekend's first major event would signal a renewed effort.

Disappointing First Day

Many of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the direction of the current government and searching for a ideological base as they are concerned by the growing influence of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

But when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the conference site.

Leadership Conflict

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with one person elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members voted for this system.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as elected officials. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, however, suggest she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she feels are briefing against 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 Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Protest and Factionalism

Conflict came to a head around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in alliance with potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – especially the the political group. Her representative described this as a “political persecution”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't registered with the election authority but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s activities turned into internal disputes when they would have preferred to discuss crucial matters such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as strategising 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 believe the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the final designation and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has comforted those who still hope for agreement.

But the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was captured by an individual participant, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a full bottle.”