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As the notion of a fresh socialist party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number expressed an interest in becoming members.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by arguments – its leaders clashed fiercely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would herald a renewed effort.

Troubling Opening Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the policies of the current government and looking for a ideological base as they are concerned by the growing influence of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

But when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a mile from the location.

Structure Conflict

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be prepared to compete if members chose this approach.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and group leaders whom she feels are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Conflict escalated significantly around midday when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her aide described this as a “witch-hunt”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were angry, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “distraction”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the new party.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one associate said: “It might not be formally recognized by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s activities became dominated by internal disputes when they would have preferred to focus on key issues such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is still considering if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some supporters think the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the official title and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still hope for agreement.

However most delegates remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was captured by one delegate, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a full bottle.”