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As the notion of a fresh socialist party spearheaded 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 rowed bitterly over its early governance and funding model – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a new beginning.

Disappointing First Day

Many of the attendees are former Labour members, unhappy about the policies of the current government and seeking a ideological base as they worry about the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

However when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a mile from the venue.

Leadership Conflict

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this approach.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with key decisions being made by ordinary participants – those not already serving as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about various associates and Your Party officials whom she feels are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Conflict reached a peak around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – notably the the SWP. Her spokesperson labeled this a “targeted purge”, stating: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the Electoral Commission – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the new party.

On the status of the the political group, one associate said: “It might not be registered with the election authority but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s events descended into internal disputes when they would have preferred to address important topics such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is still considering if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants feel the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The result is unclear if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the official title and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still hope for unity.

Yet the majority of attendees remained despondent as they departed of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was expressed by an individual delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a entire container.”