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When the concept of a fresh socialist party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals expressed an interest in joining.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by disputes – its founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and funding model – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would herald a new beginning.

Troubling Opening Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the policies of the present administration and seeking a political home as they fear the growing influence of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the well-known duo, saying: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

However when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a mile from the venue.

Governance Disagreement

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with one person voted into power, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members voted for this approach.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with crucial policies being decided by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and group leaders whom she feels are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Conflict escalated significantly around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – especially the the political group. Her representative called this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were furious, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't registered with the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by internal disputes when they would have rather discuss crucial matters such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is still considering if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some members believe the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

The result is unclear if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the official title and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still hope for unity.

However most delegates remained discouraged as they departed of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by one delegate, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a bottle.”