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As the notion 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 joining.

Even though it became quickly beset by arguments – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's first major event would herald a fresh start.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the attendees are former Labour members, disappointed by the policies of the present administration and seeking a political home as they fear the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

Yet when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a brief walk from the conference site.

Governance Disagreement

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this option.

But, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with crucial policies being taken by lay members – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, however, indicate she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they hoped the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she feels are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Tensions reached a peak around midday when it became known Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – particularly the the political group. Her aide labeled this a “targeted purge”, stating: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the election authority – were angry, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “secondary event”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s activities turned into internal disputes when they would have rather focus on important topics such as the financial challenges and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is still considering if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some members believe the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

The result is unclear if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still hope for unity.

But most delegates remained discouraged as they made their way of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was summed up by an individual participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a bottle.”