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When the concept of a new leftwing party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals registered their intent in participating.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its leaders clashed fiercely over its early governance and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would represent a renewed effort.

Disappointing Opening Day

Many of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the direction of the present administration and looking for a political home as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

But when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a mile from the location.

Governance Disagreement

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this approach.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with important choices being made by lay members – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they hoped the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about some of his allies and group leaders whom she thinks are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

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

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Strains came to a head around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – especially the the political group. Her aide labeled this a “witch-hunt”, adding: “We need to establish a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the election authority – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

On the status of the the political group, one associate said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Participants

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by internal disputes when they would have rather focus on key issues such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party 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 on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for Day Two

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still hope for cohesion.

Yet most delegates remained despondent as they made their way of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the atmosphere of the day was captured by a single delegate, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a entire container.”