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As the notion of a recent socialist party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in joining.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its early governance and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would represent a fresh start.

Disappointing First Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, unhappy about the policies of the current government and searching for a ideological base as they fear the growing influence of the rival party.

As plans for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

However when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the location.

Governance Conflict

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual voted into power, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members selected this approach.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with important choices being made by ordinary participants – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and group leaders whom she thinks are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

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

Absence and Factionalism

Tensions came to a head around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in alliance with potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – notably the the political group. Her representative called this a “witch-hunt”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were furious, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the regulatory body but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Attendees

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s activities turned into factionalism when they would have wanted to focus on important topics such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some participants believe the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The result is unclear if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the official title and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still desire cohesion.

But many participants remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was summed up by one attendee, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a full bottle.”