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As the notion of a new leftwing party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number showed enthusiasm in joining.

Even though it became quickly beset by disputes – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its early governance and funding model – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a renewed effort.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the attendees are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the direction of the incumbent leadership and searching for a political home as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

However when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a brief walk from the location.

Structure Conflict

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual voted into power, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this system.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with important choices being made by lay members – those not already serving as elected officials. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they hoped the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and party administrators whom she feels are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Tensions came to a head around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her representative labeled this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the regulatory body – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s events descended into group conflicts when they would have preferred to address important topics such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

The group is still considering if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some members think the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the final designation and governance model – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has comforted those who still wish for unity.

But most delegates remained discouraged as they made their way of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was expressed by one delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a full bottle.”