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When the concept of a recent leftwing party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals registered their intent in becoming members.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its leaders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a renewed effort.

Concerning First Day

A significant portion of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, disappointed by the agenda of the current government and searching for a new party as they fear the growing influence of the rival party.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

However when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a mile from the conference site.

Leadership Disagreement

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader voted into power, and implied he’d be likely to run if members selected this system.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with key decisions being taken by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about certain supporters and party administrators whom she feels are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

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

Boycott and Factionalism

Strains came to a head around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson called this a “targeted purge”, adding: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the election authority – were angry, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

On the status of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Participants

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s events descended into group conflicts when they would have rather address key issues such as the financial challenges and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some participants believe the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the final designation and governance model – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still wish for unity.

Yet the majority of attendees remained despondent as they shuffled out of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was summed up by an individual participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a bottle.”