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At the idea of a fresh progressive party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that a vast number showed enthusiasm in participating.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by disputes – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and funding model – many hoped this weekend's first major event would signal a new beginning.

Troubling Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are former Labour members, unhappy about the policies of the incumbent leadership and seeking a ideological base as they fear the growing influence of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the famous musical siblings, stating: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

Yet when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a mile from the venue.

Leadership Disagreement

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members voted for this approach.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being decided by ordinary participants – those not presently working as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she feels are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Tensions came to a head around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – notably the the SWP. Her representative described this as a “targeted purge”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were angry, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “distraction”. They think permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the election authority but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s activities became dominated by factionalism when they would have rather discuss important topics such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is still considering if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some participants think the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the official title and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still wish for agreement.

But most delegates remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was captured by one attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a bottle.”