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When the concept of a recent socialist party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in joining.

Although it was quickly beset by disputes – its leaders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and funding model – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a renewed effort.

Disappointing First Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the policies of the current government and searching for a ideological base as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering 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 well-known duo, saying: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

However when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the venue.

Governance Disagreement

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he favoured a traditional leadership model, with a single individual elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this approach.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with key decisions being made by lay members – those not presently working as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted 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 scathing about various associates and Your Party officials whom she feels are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Tensions reached a peak around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – especially the the SWP. Her representative described this as a “targeted purge”, stating: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the election authority – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “secondary event”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s activities became dominated by internal disputes when they would have preferred to address crucial matters such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters believe the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The result is unclear if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has reassured those who still wish for cohesion.

However many participants remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was captured by an individual participant, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a full bottle.”