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As the notion of a fresh socialist party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in participating.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its leaders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and funding model – many expected this weekend's first major event would represent a fresh start.

Disappointing First Day

A significant portion of the participants are former Labour members, unhappy about the agenda of the incumbent leadership and looking for a ideological base as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have resolved their differences. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the well-known duo, saying: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a mile from the location.

Leadership Conflict

It became evident there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members voted for this system.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with key decisions being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about various associates and group leaders whom she thinks are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Strains came to a head around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – notably the the SWP. Her spokesperson labeled this a “targeted purge”, adding: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the regulatory body – were angry, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “distraction”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Delegates

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s activities became dominated by factionalism when they would have rather focus on important topics such as the financial challenges and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is still considering if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still wish for agreement.

However many participants remained disheartened as they made their way of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by a single delegate, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a full bottle.”