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When the concept of a fresh socialist party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in becoming members.

Although it was quickly beset by internal conflicts – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's first major event would herald a renewed effort.

Concerning First Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the policies of the current government and seeking a new party as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the well-known duo, stating: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

But when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a mile from the conference site.

Leadership Division

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual elected to take charge, and implied he’d be likely to run if members selected this approach.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with important choices being decided by ordinary participants – those not already serving as elected officials. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative 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 the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had led to “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Internal Divisions

Tensions escalated significantly around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other leftwing groups – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson labeled this a “witch-hunt”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the Electoral Commission – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the new party.

On the status of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s activities descended into internal disputes when they would have wanted to address key issues such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants think the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has encouraged those who still wish for agreement.

Yet the majority of attendees remained despondent as they made their way of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was summed up by an individual participant, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a entire container.”