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When the concept of a fresh socialist party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in joining.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its founders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a renewed effort.

Troubling Opening Day

A significant portion of the participants are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the agenda of the incumbent leadership and seeking a new party as they fear the growing influence of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have resolved their differences. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the well-known duo, stating: “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 curiously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a brief walk from the conference site.

Governance Conflict

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with one person chosen to lead, and implied he’d be likely to run if members selected this approach.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with crucial policies being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, however, suggest she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about various associates and Your Party officials whom she believes are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Internal Divisions

Conflict reached a peak around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – particularly the the political group. Her aide described this as a “political persecution”, adding: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the election authority – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

On the status of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be registered with the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s events became dominated by group conflicts when they would have rather focus on key issues such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some members feel the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be recovered 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 cohesion.

Yet many participants remained discouraged as they made their way of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was expressed by a single attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a bottle.”