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As the notion of a new socialist party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in joining.

Even though it became quickly beset by internal conflicts – its leaders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a renewed effort.

Troubling Opening Day

Many of the participants are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the direction of the current government and searching for a ideological base as they worry about the rise of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

But when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a brief walk from the location.

Governance Division

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and implied he’d be likely to run if members selected this approach.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with important choices being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, suggest 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 maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and group leaders whom she feels are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Factionalism

Tensions reached a peak around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her aide described this as a “political persecution”, stating: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the regulatory body – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They think allowing multiparty membership would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be officially listed by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s activities descended into internal disputes when they would have preferred to address crucial matters such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some participants think the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still hope for agreement.

Yet most delegates remained discouraged as they departed of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was captured by a single delegate, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a full bottle.”