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When the concept of a fresh socialist party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number showed enthusiasm in participating.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its founders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a renewed effort.

Concerning First Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are former Labour members, unhappy about the direction of the incumbent leadership and looking for a new party as they worry about the growing influence of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have resolved their differences. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the duo to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a mile from the conference site.

Structure Disagreement

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual elected to take charge, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this approach.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and group leaders whom she feels are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is understood that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Factionalism

Tensions escalated significantly around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – particularly the the SWP. Her spokesperson described this as a “political persecution”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the Electoral Commission – were angry, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “It might not be registered with the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Participants

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s activities became dominated by factionalism when they would have rather discuss important topics such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some members believe the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still desire unity.

Yet many participants remained despondent as they departed of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was expressed by a single attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a full bottle.”