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When the concept of a recent socialist party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Despite being quickly beset by disputes – its leaders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and funding model – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a fresh start.

Disappointing Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the agenda of the incumbent leadership and searching for a political home as they fear the growing influence of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the pair to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

However when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a mile from the location.

Structure Division

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he supported a traditional leadership model, with a single individual chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this option.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with important choices being decided by lay members – those not currently acting as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained 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 feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she feels are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is known that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Internal Divisions

Tensions came to a head around midday when it became known Sultana would boycott 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 progressive movements – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson described this as a “political persecution”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the Electoral Commission – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “secondary event”. They feel allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the new party.

On the status of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the election authority but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s events descended into internal disputes when they would have preferred to focus on key issues such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters think the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

The result is unclear if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still hope for cohesion.

However most delegates remained despondent as they made their way of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was expressed by one participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a entire container.”