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At the idea of a recent leftwing party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in participating.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's first major event would signal a renewed effort.

Concerning Opening Day

Many of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the agenda of the present administration and looking for a new party as they fear the rise of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a short distance from the location.

Structure Conflict

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this option.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with key decisions being made by ordinary participants – those not already serving as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and group leaders whom she believes are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is known that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Conflict came to a head around midday when it emerged Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her aide described this as a “witch-hunt”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the Electoral Commission – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They think allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the new party.

On the status of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by factionalism when they would have preferred to address important topics such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some participants think the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

The result is unclear if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has reassured those who still wish for agreement.

However the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they departed of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was summed up by one attendee, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a bottle.”