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At the idea of a fresh socialist party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in joining.

Even though it became quickly beset by disputes – its founders rowed bitterly over its early governance and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a new beginning.

Troubling Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the direction of the current government and seeking a ideological base as they worry about the increasing popularity of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

Yet when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a short distance from the location.

Leadership Disagreement

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this system.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with important choices being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was scathing about some of his allies and group leaders whom she believes are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Strains came to a head around midday when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – particularly the the SWP. Her spokesperson described this as a “targeted purge”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “distraction”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the new party.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings descended into group conflicts when they would have wanted to address important topics such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is still considering if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some participants think the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for Day Two

It remains to be seen if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the official title and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still desire cohesion.

However the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they departed of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the atmosphere of the day was summed up by a single participant, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a full bottle.”