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When the concept of a recent leftwing party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in participating.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and financial approach – many expected this weekend's launch gathering would signal a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the agenda of the present administration and looking for a new party as they fear the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

Yet when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the venue.

Structure Conflict

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this approach.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with crucial policies being made by ordinary participants – those not presently working as elected officials. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about various associates and group leaders whom she believes are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is known that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Conflict came to a head around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – especially the the SWP. Her spokesperson labeled this a “targeted purge”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the regulatory body – were furious, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “distraction”. They feel allowing multiparty membership would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Participants

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings turned into internal disputes when they would have rather discuss important topics such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some supporters believe the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The result is unclear if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the official title and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has reassured those who still desire cohesion.

But many participants remained despondent as they departed of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by an individual participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a entire container.”