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At the idea of a new leftwing party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals registered their intent in joining.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by disputes – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would represent a renewed effort.

Troubling Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the policies of the present administration and looking for a new party as they worry about the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the well-known duo, saying: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

However when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a brief walk from the venue.

Leadership Division

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he supported a conventional single-leader system, with one person voted into power, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this option.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with important choices being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she thinks are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Group Conflicts

Tensions came to a head around midday when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her aide labeled this a “political persecution”, commenting: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the election authority – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “secondary event”. They think allowing multiparty membership would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s events became dominated by internal disputes when they would have preferred to discuss important topics such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

The group is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters believe the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

It remains to be seen if the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still hope for agreement.

But the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they departed of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was summed up by a single participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a entire container.”