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At the idea of a new socialist party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number expressed an interest in joining.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its founders clashed fiercely over its early governance and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's first major event would signal a fresh start.

Disappointing First Day

Many of the participants are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the agenda of the present administration and looking for a political home as they worry about the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

Yet when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a mile from the location.

Governance Disagreement

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members chose this approach.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with key decisions being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she feels are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had led to “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Protest and Group Conflicts

Strains came to a head around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson labeled this a “political persecution”, stating: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the election authority – were furious, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Participants

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s activities turned into group conflicts when they would have rather address important topics such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some members believe the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has reassured those who still wish for cohesion.

Yet most delegates remained despondent as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was expressed by a single participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a bottle.”