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As the notion of a recent leftwing party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals expressed an interest in joining.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by disputes – its founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would herald a renewed effort.

Concerning First Day

Many of the participants are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the policies of the incumbent leadership and seeking a ideological base as they fear the growing influence of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have resolved their differences. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the well-known duo, saying: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a mile from the venue.

Leadership Conflict

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he supported a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this approach.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with important choices being taken by lay members – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about various associates and party administrators whom she thinks are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Tensions came to a head around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her representative labeled this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the Electoral Commission – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s activities turned into factionalism when they would have rather address key issues such as the financial challenges and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters believe the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The result is unclear if the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has reassured those who still hope for unity.

However most delegates remained discouraged as they departed of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was summed up by one delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a entire container.”