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When the concept of a fresh leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in participating.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by arguments – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a fresh start.

Concerning First Day

A significant portion of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, disappointed by the policies of the current government and seeking a political home as they fear the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the pair to the well-known duo, remarking: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

However when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a mile from the conference site.

Structure Division

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he favoured a traditional leadership model, with a single individual voted into power, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members voted for this option.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with key decisions being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as elected officials. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and party administrators whom she thinks are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Strains escalated significantly around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – particularly the the political group. Her spokesperson labeled this a “targeted purge”, stating: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the election authority – were furious, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “sideshow”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the new party.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Delegates

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s events turned into factionalism when they would have wanted to focus on crucial matters such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

The group is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some supporters believe the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still wish for cohesion.

But the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they departed of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was captured by one attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a full bottle.”