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As the notion of a recent leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals expressed an interest in participating.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and funding model – many expected this weekend's launch gathering would herald a renewed effort.

Concerning First Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are former Labour members, disappointed by the agenda of the current government and seeking a ideological base as they worry about the growing influence of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the famous musical siblings, stating: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a brief walk from the location.

Leadership Conflict

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual voted into power, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this option.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being made by ordinary participants – those not already serving as elected officials. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, however, indicate she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about various associates and Your Party officials whom she feels are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Protest and Factionalism

Strains came to a head around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – especially the the political group. Her aide described this as a “targeted purge”, 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 the group was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “secondary event”. They think allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one associate said: “Although it isn't registered with the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by factionalism when they would have rather focus on crucial matters such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is still considering if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters believe the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has reassured those who still hope for agreement.

However the majority of attendees remained despondent as they made their way of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the atmosphere of the day was expressed by an individual attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a bottle.”