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When the concept of a new leftwing party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals registered their intent in becoming members.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its founders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and funding model – many hoped this weekend's first major event would herald a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

A significant portion of the attendees are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the policies of the current government and searching for a new party as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

However when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a mile from the venue.

Structure Division

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this system.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with important choices being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, however, indicate she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and group leaders whom she believes are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Factionalism

Tensions came to a head around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – notably the the SWP. Her representative described this as a “political persecution”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the Electoral Commission – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Participants

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings descended into internal disputes when they would have wanted to discuss important topics such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some supporters 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 the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still wish for cohesion.

However many participants remained despondent as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was summed up by an individual attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a bottle.”