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When the concept of a new leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number expressed an interest in participating.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and funding model – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would represent a renewed effort.

Concerning Opening Day

Many of the attendees are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the direction of the present administration and looking 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 wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the well-known duo, stating: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a brief walk from the conference site.

Governance Disagreement

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he supported a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader voted into power, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members chose this approach.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being made by lay members – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – 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 party administrators whom she feels are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Strains reached a peak around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – notably the the SWP. Her spokesperson called this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the election authority – were furious, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “sideshow”. They think permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s events became dominated by group conflicts when they would have wanted to discuss crucial matters such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters believe the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Hope for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the official title and governance model – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still hope for unity.

But most delegates remained despondent as they made their way of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was expressed by one delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a bottle.”