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When the concept of a fresh leftwing party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in participating.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and funding model – many expected this weekend's launch gathering would represent a new beginning.

Concerning Opening Day

Many of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the policies of the incumbent leadership and searching for a ideological base as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

But when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a short distance from the venue.

Structure Disagreement

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this approach.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with key decisions being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they hoped the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about various associates and party administrators whom she believes are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that relations between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Conflict reached a peak around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – notably the the SWP. Her representative labeled this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the election authority – were incensed, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “distraction”. They feel allowing multiparty membership would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

On the status of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings descended into internal disputes when they would have rather discuss crucial matters such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is still considering if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some supporters think the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of key votes – 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 wish for agreement.

However most delegates remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was summed up by a single attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a entire container.”