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As the notion of a recent socialist party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that a vast number expressed an interest in joining.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by arguments – its leaders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a renewed effort.

Disappointing First Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the policies of the present administration and looking for a ideological base as they worry about the rise of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

However when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a mile from the location.

Leadership Division

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he supported a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader voted into power, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members chose this approach.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and group leaders whom she believes are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

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

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Conflict came to a head around midday when it emerged Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – notably the the political group. Her spokesperson called this a “witch-hunt”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were furious, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “secondary event”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be officially listed by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Participants

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s events descended into internal disputes when they would have rather address crucial matters such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some members feel the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still hope for agreement.

However most delegates remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was summed up by one attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a entire container.”