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At the idea of a new leftwing party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in joining.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by arguments – its founders rowed bitterly over its early governance and funding model – many expected this weekend's first major event would herald a renewed effort.

Troubling First Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the direction of the current government and seeking a ideological base as they are concerned by the rise of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the well-known duo, saying: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

However when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a short distance from the venue.

Leadership Disagreement

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he supported a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members chose this option.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being decided by lay members – those not currently acting as elected officials. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about various associates and group leaders whom she believes are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

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

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Strains escalated significantly around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her representative described this as a “witch-hunt”, adding: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the regulatory body – were incensed, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “distraction”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

On the status of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Participants

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s activities descended into internal disputes when they would have preferred to address important topics such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is still considering if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some members feel the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has reassured those who still wish for unity.

But most delegates remained discouraged as they departed of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by one attendee, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a entire container.”