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When the concept of a new leftwing party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that a vast number registered their intent in becoming members.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and funding model – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a fresh start.

Concerning Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the policies of the present administration and seeking a political home as they worry about the growing influence of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

Yet when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a mile from the venue.

Leadership Disagreement

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he supported a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this option.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being taken by ordinary participants – those not presently working as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, however, suggest she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and group leaders whom she believes are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that relations between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Factionalism

Conflict escalated significantly around midday when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in alliance with potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – particularly the the SWP. Her spokesperson labeled this a “political persecution”, commenting: “We need to establish 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, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “distraction”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s events descended into internal disputes when they would have preferred to focus on crucial matters such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters think the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

The result is unclear if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the official title and governance model – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still wish for agreement.

However most delegates remained despondent as they made their way of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was captured by one attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a bottle.”