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When the concept of a recent leftwing party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in joining.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by arguments – its leaders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and funding model – many hoped this weekend's first major event would represent a fresh start.

Concerning First Day

Many of the participants are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the agenda of the incumbent leadership and seeking a new party as they fear the growing influence of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

But when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a short distance from the venue.

Leadership Division

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a established hierarchical structure, with one person chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this system.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with crucial policies being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader 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 scathing about some of his allies and party administrators whom she feels are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – 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 “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Strains escalated significantly around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson described this as a “political persecution”, 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, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't registered with the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s activities turned into group conflicts when they would have preferred to focus on key issues such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some supporters believe the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

The result is unclear if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still hope for agreement.

Yet the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they departed of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by one attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a bottle.”