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As the notion of a recent leftwing party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals registered their intent in joining.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by arguments – its founders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and funding model – many expected this weekend's first major event would represent a fresh start.

Disappointing Opening Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, disappointed by the agenda of the incumbent leadership and looking for a political home as they fear the growing influence of the rival party.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the duo to the famous musical siblings, saying: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

Yet when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a mile from the conference site.

Structure Division

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this option.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with crucial policies being made by lay members – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, however, indicate she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and group leaders whom she believes are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Protest and Group Conflicts

Tensions reached a peak around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her representative labeled this a “witch-hunt”, adding: “We need to establish a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the regulatory body – were angry, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “secondary event”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not registered with the regulatory body but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s events became dominated by group conflicts when they would have wanted to address crucial matters such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as planning 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 members think the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The result is unclear if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has comforted those who still hope for cohesion.

However the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they departed of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was summed up by an individual participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a full bottle.”