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When the concept of a fresh socialist party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in joining.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by arguments – its leaders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's launch gathering would represent a fresh start.

Concerning Opening Day

Many of the participants are former Labour members, disappointed by the direction of the present administration and seeking a political home as they fear the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have resolved their differences. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

However when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a mile from the venue.

Structure Disagreement

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader voted into power, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this option.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with crucial policies being taken by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, however, indicate she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about various associates and Your Party officials whom she believes are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Tensions came to a head around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – particularly the the SWP. Her aide described this as a “targeted purge”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were incensed, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “secondary event”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

On the status of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't registered with the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Delegates

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s activities descended into internal disputes when they would have preferred to address key issues such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

The group is still considering if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters think the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

The result is unclear if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the official title and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still desire agreement.

However the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they departed of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was summed up by one attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a bottle.”