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At the idea of a fresh leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in joining.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by disputes – its leaders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

Many of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the policies of the current government and searching for a political home as they worry about the rise of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

But when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a brief walk from the location.

Governance Division

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this system.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with crucial policies being made by lay members – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about various associates and group leaders whom she thinks are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Internal Divisions

Strains came to a head around midday when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her aide described this as a “targeted purge”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the election authority – were incensed, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

On the status of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s activities became dominated by factionalism when they would have preferred to focus on important topics such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The result is unclear if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the official title and governance model – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still desire agreement.

Yet most delegates remained disheartened as they departed of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was expressed by one attendee, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a full bottle.”