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When the concept of a recent leftwing party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals expressed an interest in participating.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by arguments – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's first major event would herald a renewed effort.

Disappointing First Day

Many of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the policies of the present administration and seeking a ideological base as they worry about the rise of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the well-known duo, remarking: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

But when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a mile from the conference site.

Leadership Conflict

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual elected to take charge, and implied he’d be likely to run if members chose this option.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with important choices being decided by lay members – those not presently working as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about various associates and Your Party officials whom she believes are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Group Conflicts

Conflict came to a head around midday when it became known Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – especially the the SWP. Her representative labeled this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “It is essential to create 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 Electoral Commission – were incensed, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “sideshow”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the new party.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one associate said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s activities turned into internal disputes when they would have rather focus on crucial matters such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

The group is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters believe the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still wish for agreement.

But most delegates remained discouraged as they made their way of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was expressed by a single participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a entire container.”