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When the concept of a recent socialist party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in joining.

Even though it became quickly beset by disputes – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a fresh start.

Troubling First Day

A significant portion of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the agenda of the present administration and searching for a political home as they worry about the rise of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

However when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a mile from the conference site.

Governance Conflict

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual elected to take charge, and implied he’d be likely to run if members voted for this system.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, however, state she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and group leaders whom she believes are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Factionalism

Tensions came to a head around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – particularly the the political group. Her spokesperson labeled this a “political persecution”, adding: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the regulatory body – were furious, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “distraction”. They think permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be officially listed by the election authority but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s activities turned into factionalism when they would have preferred to focus on key issues such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is still considering if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants feel the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the final designation and governance model – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has reassured those who still desire cohesion.

However many participants remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was expressed by one participant, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a bottle.”