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When the concept of a fresh leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals registered their intent in becoming members.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would represent a fresh start.

Troubling Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the policies of the current government and seeking a ideological base as they worry about the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

However when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a short distance from the location.

Structure Disagreement

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he supported a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual elected to take charge, and implied he’d be likely to run if members selected this system.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and group leaders whom she thinks are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Strains came to a head around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her aide described this as a “political persecution”, adding: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the election authority – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “distraction”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one associate said: “It might not be formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by factionalism when they would have rather discuss crucial matters such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

The group is still considering if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some members think the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

The result is unclear if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has reassured those who still hope for unity.

Yet the majority of attendees remained despondent as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was captured by one delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a full bottle.”