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When the concept of a fresh socialist party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number registered their intent in becoming members.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its leaders disagreed intensely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would herald a renewed effort.

Troubling Opening Day

Many of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the agenda of the incumbent leadership and seeking a new party as they worry about the increasing popularity of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

But when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a brief walk from the location.

Structure Division

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual elected to take charge, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this approach.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with key decisions being decided by ordinary participants – those not already serving as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was scathing 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 followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Conflict escalated significantly around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her representative called this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the Electoral Commission – were angry, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “distraction”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be officially listed by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Attendees

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s events descended into group conflicts when they would have wanted to focus on key issues such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is still considering 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 alternative to Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

The result is unclear if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has encouraged those who still desire agreement.

Yet many participants remained disheartened as they made their way of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was expressed by a single participant, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a bottle.”