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As the notion of a fresh socialist party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in joining.

Even though it became quickly beset by internal conflicts – its leaders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would represent a fresh start.

Disappointing First Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the direction of the incumbent leadership and looking for a new party as they are concerned by the growing influence of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the duo to the well-known duo, stating: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

But when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a short distance from the location.

Governance Disagreement

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this approach.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with important choices being decided by ordinary participants – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and group leaders whom she thinks are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Conflict reached a peak around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – particularly the the SWP. Her aide called this a “targeted purge”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the election authority – were furious, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

On the status of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Participants

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s events became dominated by group conflicts when they would have rather address key issues such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters feel the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still hope for cohesion.

However the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was captured by a single attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a full bottle.”