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At the idea of a new socialist party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in participating.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its founders rowed bitterly over its early governance and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would signal a renewed effort.

Troubling First Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the policies of the present administration and searching for a political home as they worry about the increasing popularity of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a mile from the location.

Leadership Division

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual voted into power, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this system.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with important choices being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was scathing about certain supporters and party administrators whom she thinks are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had led to “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Factionalism

Tensions came to a head around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her representative described this as a “witch-hunt”, adding: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the regulatory body – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not registered with the regulatory body but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Participants

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings descended into group conflicts when they would have preferred to address important topics such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is still considering if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some supporters believe the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for Sunday

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has comforted those who still hope for cohesion.

But many participants remained despondent as they departed of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was captured by one participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a entire container.”