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

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and financial approach – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a renewed effort.

Troubling First Day

A significant portion of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the policies of the incumbent leadership and searching for a political home as they worry about the rise of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

But when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a short distance from the location.

Governance Disagreement

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a traditional leadership model, with one person chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members chose this option.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with key decisions being decided by lay members – those not already serving as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and group leaders whom she feels are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Conflict came to a head around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – notably the the political group. Her aide described this as a “targeted purge”, adding: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the election authority – were incensed, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “distraction”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be formally recognized by the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Participants

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s activities descended into internal disputes when they would have preferred to discuss crucial matters such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is still considering if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some supporters think the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the official title and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has reassured those who still hope for unity.

However most delegates remained despondent as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was captured by a single participant, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a entire container.”