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As the notion of a new leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Even though it became quickly beset by arguments – its founders rowed bitterly over its early governance and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would herald a new beginning.

Concerning First Day

A significant portion of the participants are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the policies of the current government and seeking a political home as they worry about the growing influence of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

However when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a short distance from the venue.

Leadership Disagreement

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual voted into power, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members voted for this approach.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with key decisions being taken by lay members – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, however, state she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about various associates and party administrators whom she feels are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Tensions escalated significantly around the afternoon when it became known 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 affiliations with other leftwing groups – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her aide labeled this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the Electoral Commission – were incensed, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They feel allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, 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.”

Disappointment Among Participants

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings descended into factionalism when they would have preferred to discuss key issues such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters feel the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has reassured those who still desire unity.

But the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they made their way of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was expressed by one delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a bottle.”