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At the idea of a new progressive party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals registered their intent in joining.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a new beginning.

Concerning First Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, disappointed by the direction of the present administration and looking for a ideological base as they worry about the growing influence of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

However when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a mile from the conference site.

Structure Conflict

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this approach.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being decided by ordinary participants – those not presently working as elected officials. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about some of his allies and group leaders whom she believes are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Factionalism

Conflict escalated significantly around midday when it became known Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other leftwing groups – notably the the SWP. Her representative called this a “targeted purge”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “secondary event”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the regulatory body but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s activities turned into internal disputes when they would have wanted to focus on crucial matters such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is still considering if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some members believe the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has comforted those who still hope for unity.

But many participants remained disheartened as they departed of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was summed up by a single participant, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a full bottle.”