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At the idea of a recent socialist party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that a vast number registered their intent in participating.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by disputes – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's first major event would herald a fresh start.

Troubling First Day

Many of the attendees are former Labour members, unhappy about the agenda of the current government and seeking a political home as they fear the rise of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the duo to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a short distance from the venue.

Leadership Conflict

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this approach.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with key decisions being decided by lay members – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she believes are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – further stated 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 escalated significantly around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – particularly the the SWP. Her aide labeled this a “witch-hunt”, stating: “We need to establish a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the Electoral Commission – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “secondary event”. They feel allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the new party.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the election authority but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Participants

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by internal disputes when they would have wanted to address important topics such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some members believe the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

The result is unclear if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still hope for agreement.

However many participants remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by a single participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a full bottle.”