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When the concept of a recent leftwing party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number expressed an interest in becoming members.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a fresh start.

Troubling First Day

A significant portion of the participants are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the direction of the incumbent leadership and searching for a political home as they fear the growing influence 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 lightheartedly likened the partnership to the well-known duo, saying: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

However when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a short distance from the venue.

Governance Division

It became evident there was no unified position on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this system.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with important choices being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour 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 highly critical about various associates and party administrators whom she feels are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Conflict reached a peak around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – particularly the the SWP. Her aide described this as a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the election authority – were incensed, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “distraction”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by factionalism when they would have preferred to discuss important topics such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

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

Optimism for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has comforted those who still wish for agreement.

But many participants remained despondent as they made their way of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was captured by one participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a full bottle.”