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At the idea of a new leftwing party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in joining.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by disputes – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its early governance and funding model – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would signal a renewed effort.

Concerning First Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the direction of the present administration and looking for a ideological base as they fear the rise of the rival party.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the pair to the well-known duo, stating: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a short distance from the venue.

Structure Conflict

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members selected this approach.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being taken by lay members – those not already serving as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, however, state she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and group leaders whom she feels are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is understood that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Tensions came to a head around midday when it became known Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – notably the the political group. Her spokesperson labeled this a “targeted purge”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the election authority – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “distraction”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one associate said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the election authority but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s activities descended into factionalism when they would have rather focus on important topics such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some supporters believe the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The result is unclear if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the official title and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has encouraged those who still wish for cohesion.

Yet the majority of attendees remained despondent as they departed of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was captured by a single attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a entire container.”