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As the notion of a fresh leftwing party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Despite being quickly beset by arguments – its leaders disagreed intensely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would represent a renewed effort.

Disappointing Opening Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the direction of the incumbent leadership and seeking a ideological base as they fear the growing influence of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the famous musical siblings, saying: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

But when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a mile from the venue.

Structure Conflict

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he supported a conventional single-leader system, with one person voted into power, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this system.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with important choices being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and party administrators whom she believes are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Factionalism

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 membership in other socialist organizations – notably the the political group. Her representative described this as a “political persecution”, adding: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the election authority – were angry, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “distraction”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s events descended into factionalism when they would have wanted to address important topics such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some members think the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the official title and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still hope for cohesion.

But many participants remained discouraged as they departed of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was summed up by a single delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a full bottle.”