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At the idea of a recent leftwing party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in joining.

Although it was quickly beset by arguments – its founders rowed bitterly over its early governance and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would signal a renewed effort.

Troubling First Day

A significant portion of the attendees are former Labour members, unhappy about the agenda of the incumbent leadership and searching for a ideological base as they worry about the increasing popularity of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a mile from the conference site.

Leadership Conflict

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this approach.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with key decisions being taken by lay members – those not currently acting as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they hoped the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about various associates and party administrators whom she thinks are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Tensions escalated significantly around midday when it became known Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her representative labeled this a “witch-hunt”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the election authority – were angry, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not registered with the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s activities descended into factionalism when they would have wanted to focus on key issues such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is still considering if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants think the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for Sunday

The result is unclear if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the official title and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still wish for agreement.

But many participants remained discouraged as they departed of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was captured by an individual delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a entire container.”