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At the idea of a new progressive party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would signal a renewed effort.

Concerning First Day

Many of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the policies of the incumbent leadership and looking for a new party as they fear the increasing popularity of the rival party.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the well-known duo, remarking: “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 conspicuously absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a mile from the location.

Governance Disagreement

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader voted into power, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this system.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with important choices being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they hoped the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was scathing about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she feels are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is understood that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Factionalism

Tensions escalated significantly around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her aide called this a “political persecution”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the Electoral Commission – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “sideshow”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the regulatory body but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s activities turned into internal disputes when they would have wanted to discuss crucial matters such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants think the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still desire cohesion.

Yet the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the atmosphere of the day was captured by one attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a entire container.”