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When the concept of a recent socialist party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in joining.

Even though it became quickly beset by arguments – its leaders rowed bitterly over its early governance and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a fresh start.

Troubling Opening Day

Many of the attendees are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the agenda of the current government and searching for a new party as they are concerned by the growing influence of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a mile from the location.

Structure Conflict

It became evident there was no unified position on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this option.

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

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members are enabled” – she was scathing about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she believes are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Strains escalated significantly around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – notably the the SWP. Her spokesperson labeled this a “witch-hunt”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the regulatory body – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

On the status of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be formally recognized by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings turned into group conflicts when they would have wanted to focus on key issues such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some supporters think the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

The result is unclear if the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the final designation and governance model – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still hope for unity.

Yet the majority of attendees remained despondent as they made their way of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the atmosphere of the day was captured by an individual delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a full bottle.”