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As the notion of a recent leftwing party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals registered their intent in joining.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by disputes – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would represent a renewed effort.

Disappointing Opening Day

Many of the attendees are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the direction of the present administration and looking for a political home as they worry about the growing influence of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

However when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a mile from the location.

Governance Division

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with one person chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this option.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with important choices being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, however, state she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and party administrators whom she feels are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Conflict reached a peak around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her aide described this as a “political persecution”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the election authority – were furious, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “secondary event”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't registered with the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by internal disputes when they would have wanted to focus on important topics such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as planning for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some participants believe the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still hope for unity.

Yet many participants remained despondent as they made their way of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by a single delegate, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a entire container.”