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As the notion of a recent leftwing party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number showed enthusiasm in joining.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a fresh start.

Concerning First Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the agenda of the incumbent leadership and searching for a political home as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the rival party.

As plans for the party's launch event were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

However when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a short distance from the conference site.

Structure Conflict

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a traditional leadership model, with a single individual chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members chose this system.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with key decisions being made by ordinary participants – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they hoped the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and party administrators whom she thinks are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Factionalism

Strains reached a peak around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other leftwing groups – particularly the the SWP. Her representative called this a “targeted purge”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were furious, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “Even if it is not registered with the regulatory body but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by factionalism when they would have rather address important topics such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

The group is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some supporters believe the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still desire unity.

But many participants remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was summed up by one delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a full bottle.”