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At the idea of a fresh leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in becoming members.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its leaders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's first major event would signal a new beginning.

Concerning First Day

A significant portion of the participants are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the policies of the current government and searching for a new party as they are concerned by the growing influence of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the well-known duo, saying: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

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 sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a mile from the venue.

Leadership Disagreement

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this option.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with key decisions being made by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and group leaders whom she feels are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Conflict reached a peak around midday when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – particularly the the political group. Her representative labeled this a “targeted purge”, stating: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were furious, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't registered with the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings descended into factionalism when they would have wanted to discuss crucial matters such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some participants think the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has comforted those who still hope for agreement.

But many participants remained discouraged as they made their way of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was summed up by a single participant, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a bottle.”